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Health impacts of climate change

Climate change has been declared a public health crisis by the World Health Organisation, Australian Medical Association and most Australian Specialist Medical Colleges. Climate change is first and foremost a health problem. The impacts on human health can be explained through the climate’s impact on the environment we interact with, as shown in the graphic below.

source: https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/

Our surf life savers are vulnerable to the same health problems as the rest of the community, however our physical competition and lifesaving activities on the beach, put our members at a higher risk. Lifesavers may also be exposed to extreme weather when responding to natural disasters.

Hundreds of people die prematurely every year in Australia due to the global warming which has already occurred (Vicedo-Cabrera et al (2021) Nature Climate Change). In addition, the PM2.5 emitted by burning fossil fuels has been estimated to cause 10 million premature deaths per annum globally (Vohra et al 2021, Environmental Research). Australian Doctors have collated research and declared that fossil fuels are a health hazard. The Australian Institute of Sport and related bodies have published guidance on avoiding exercise when exposed to significant bush fire smoke. (Mooney 2023)

Heat stress is more prevalent in extremes of age and outdoor athletes. Kids are particularly at risk as they do not adapt or compensate for heat as effectively as adults.

Renal impairment has been demonstrated in outdoor workers, exposed to higher temperatures.

Hot weather leads to more heart attacks. Heart attack increases in Melbourne by 38% if 3 consecutive days average Temperature  > 27C or 10% increase if daily average temperature >30˚C

Premature births and stillbirths   ~  increase 5% for every 1˚C rise in ambient temperature (BMJ 2020;371:m3811). At what stage of pregnancy should our members avoid outdoor competition and lifesaving?

Mental health admissions increased by 7.3% during heat waves, based on Adelaide data.

Emergency workers responding to natural disasters, including volunteer lifesavers, are at higher risk of mental health illness and post traumatic stress disorder. If you need help the National Emergency Worker Support Service is available.

For more detailed information on the health impacts of climate change read the Doctor’s for the Environment Australia report: “How climate change affects your health” (August 2021)

https://www.smokekills.com.au
  • When will we have an electric IRB or jetski?
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  • Electric ATV on patrol?
  • Socials: Contact and collaborate with us

Sustain.Surf

4 months 3 days ago

Climate change’s ocean heating will also kill off reefs if we get above 2 degrees which it looks like we certainly will. #StopDrillingStartPaying

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Sustain.Surf

Sustain.Surf is at Times Square Claremont.

4 months 3 weeks ago

Smoking ads should be banned.... I mean, fossil fuel ads - especially since FFs kill more people than tobacco these days. Time for a Fossil

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Sustain.Surf

6 months 3 weeks ago

Great to see the media and community engaging about the discussion of how fossil fuel sponsorship is just like tobacco sponsorship (and the Ashes are

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Sustain.Surf

7 months 1 week ago

9 November 2024

Great to see Surf Life Saving Australia exploring electric propulsion for IRBs. Will make it much nicer (and less stinky) for swimmers near PWC. Optimal

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Sustain.Surf

7 months 3 weeks ago

Surf Life Saving WA still using children to advertise fossil fuels. How will they justify this to our nippers when they are adults? Thanks to

Nippers deal secured with Woodside Energy

Woodside Energy has renewed its sponsorship of the Surf Life Saving WA’s Nippers Program. Upper House Greens candidate Sophie McNeill spoke to 6PR Radio’s Perth Live presenter Oliver Peterson and said Woodside were “big bullies” and she wasn’t surprised the state’s biggest oil and gas co...

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Sustain.Surf

Sustain.Surf

8 months 2 weeks ago

Great to be at Gage Roads Freo for Surfers for Climate showing of the short film Belinda and to hear from the water woman herself!

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Sustain.Surf

8 months 2 weeks ago

Photos from Surfers for Climate's post

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Sustain.Surf

8 months 3 weeks ago

SFC are showing their film at Gage Roads Freo Wednesday next week 9/10/24. Great people, great venue, hopefully great film. Details below . Join our

BELINDA - Film Screening & Community Event at Gage Roads Freo | Humanitix

Get tickets on Humanitix - BELINDA - Film Screening & Community Event at Gage Roads Freo hosted by Surfers for Climate. Gage Roads Freo Brewery, Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia. Wednesday 9th October 2024. Find event information.

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Sustain.Surf

8 months 3 weeks ago

Great set of resources from Surfers for Climate on how to surf a low emissions life.

Wipe Out Your Emissions

Surfers For Climate Org

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Sustain.Surf

9 months 2 weeks ago

Did you know air pollution from burning fossil fuels causes 8 millions deaths per year? Help ban fossil fuel advertising in Australia by signing the

With your help, we'll stop the promotion of greenhouse gas pollution.

This report consolidates key evidence demonstrating the direct effects of fossil fuels on our physical and mental well-being. We urge you to consider the findings presented here and join us in advocating for the urgent phasing out of fossil fuels and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. And please....

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