Managing extreme heat and smoke : A focus group study of vulnerable people in Darwin, Australia
Journal article
Campbell, Sharon L., Anderson, Carina C., Wheeler, Amanda J., Cook, Stephen, Muster, Tim and Johnston, Fay H.. (2022). Managing extreme heat and smoke : A focus group study of vulnerable people in Darwin, Australia. Sustainability. 14(21), p. Article 13805. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113805
Authors | Campbell, Sharon L., Anderson, Carina C., Wheeler, Amanda J., Cook, Stephen, Muster, Tim and Johnston, Fay H. |
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Abstract | Extreme heat and poor air quality arising from landscape fires are an increasing global concern driven by anthropogenic climate change. Previous studies have shown these environmental conditions are associated with negative health outcomes for vulnerable people. Managing and adapting to these conditions in a warming climate can present substantial difficulties, especially in climates already challenging for human habitation. This study was set in the tropical city of Darwin, Australia. We recruited individuals from population groups vulnerable to outdoor hazards: outdoor workers, teachers and carers, and sportspeople, to participate in focus group discussions. We aimed to gain an understanding of the impacts of extreme heat and poor air quality and how individuals perceived and managed these environmental conditions. We identified a number of key themes relating to impacts on health, work and activity, and adaptive behaviors, while identifying gaps in policy and infrastructure that could improve the lives and protect the health of vulnerable people living, working, and playing in this region. In addition, these outcomes potentially provide direction for other regions with similar environmental challenges. Extreme heat and poor air quality place an additional burden on the lives of people in high-risk settings, such as outdoor workers, teachers and carers, and sportspeople. |
Keywords | extreme heat; heatwave; air quality; bushfire smoke; heat stress; outdoor workers; teachers; sportspeople |
Year | 2022 |
Journal | Sustainability |
Journal citation | 14 (21), p. Article 13805 |
Publisher | Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI AG) |
ISSN | 2071-1050 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113805 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85141869827 |
Open access | Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access |
Page range | 1-15 |
Funder | Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organization (CSIRO) |
Australian Government | |
Northern Territory Government | |
City of Darwin | |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 25 Oct 2022 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 22 Oct 2022 |
Deposited | 28 Jul 2023 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8z6q1/managing-extreme-heat-and-smoke-a-focus-group-study-of-vulnerable-people-in-darwin-australia
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Publisher's version
OA_Campbell_2022_Managing_extreme_heat_and_smoke_A.pdf | |
License: CC BY 4.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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