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Val Wheatley
September 2026
Extreme heat, more than any other natural disaster, is the most common cause of weather related hospitalisations and deaths in Australia.
Heatwaves have already begun this year in southern Australia, with more predicted this summer. A super charged El Niño, amplified by the burning of fossil fuels and the impacts of climate change, is expected to cause record breaking conditions. People and wildlife are struggling more than ever to cope with increasing severe temperatures.
The impacts of heatwaves are many and varied:
Older adults are more susceptible than previously thought. Heat stress harms people over 60 at just 1.5 degrees global warming (which we have reached already). 2 -3 degrees is predicted in the foreseeable future. Age increases risk of heat stress due to weaker heart regulation, chronic health conditions and medications that affect hydration and cooling. This is very salient for us grey power climate activists…..
Extreme heat doubles the risk of mental health hospitalisation for young Australians.
Heat particularly affects young children, babies, pregnant women, people with disabilities and those who are vulnerable, eg., people who are homeless.
Heatwaves affect the economy and productivity, costing Australia billions in lost revenue.
A 2026 study found that 75% of Australians have difficulty in cooling their houses.
Social impacts are: increased mental health problems, increased stress and social tensions and aggression plus increased crime rates and domestic violence.
Heatwaves affect sleep quality and negatively impact mental well-being.
Between January 2006 and October 2019 more than 36,000 Australians died from heat related illness. From 2000 to 2018 at least 354 were killed by heat waves. From 2019 to 2022, 2,150 were hospitalised due to heat related injuries. By 2100 about 6,000 people annually could die from heat waves caused by climate warming. At 2 degrees, deaths could double.
Last year Europe recorded over 60,000 heat related deaths and at least 35,000 excess deaths have occurred in the current back to back heat waves. Europe experienced record breaking highs of up to 40 and 42 degrees C. The World Health Organisation stated that heat deaths are on course to increase significantly as a result of the climate crisis and an aging population. Other countries across the globe also suffer dramatically.
Most of the warming has occurred in the last 50-60 years. The majority of northern Australia will experience unliveable conditions as global temperatures increase. Parts of Tasmania, NSW and W.A. are expected to experience more frequent and severe temperatures. North and north western Queensland are most affected by increased heat waves, as are southern and central Queensland, Brisbane areas and the Darling Downs. All are experiencing a rise in numbers and severity of extreme heat events.
Ipswich has experienced a notable increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to global warming. The hottest day so far for Ipswich was 44 degrees C on the 17th of February, 2017. (It is important to note here that official temperature readings are taken in the shade.)
We need to adapt, adjust and mitigate the effects of heat waves and develop heat plans, infrastructure, resources and supports. The powers-that-be have a duty of care to protect it’s citizens.
In 2020, a group of Swiss women aged 64 and older (Senior Women for Climate Protection Switzerland) took their government to court. They argued that poor climate policies threatened their lives and health, particularly in regard to the extra impacts that heat waves caused for older women. In 2024, The European Court of Human Rights decided in their favour: they found that the Swiss government’s inadequate climate policies contravened the women’s human rights and put them in danger of dying from extreme heat.
(Sources for the above are many and varied. If anyone has any queries, please contact ICAG and I will endeavour to provide the sources)
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/25/europe-heatwaves-insurance-companies-earnings
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