It’s been a long, hot summer and doctors want Western Australia to have more shelters to protect people during heatwaves.
By Cathy O’Leary
Cool shelters are a way of helping to protect and offer refuge to those who don’t have access to a cool space for relief on those days when the mercury climbs past 40 degrees.
In 2021, some US cities decided to set up ‘cooling centres’ as historic heatwaves baked the Pacific north-west, and daytime temperatures broke records in places where many residents did not have air-conditioning. Many shops had sold out of portable air conditioners, fans, water and sports drinks.
Now Australian researchers are backing the concept of cooling shelters, arguing that heatwaves are a silent killer – responsible for about 2% of deaths in Australia.
They also warn that heatwaves are set to become more frequent and intense with climate change.
WA has been suffering through a seemingly endless heatwave, with a scorching summer that has been one of the hottest on record, with prolonged spells of above-average temperatures in Perth, the Pilbara and Gascoyne.
With recent heatwave warnings in place across the State, doctors from the Climate and Health Alliance have been calling on local councils in WA and around the country to help protect the most vulnerable in their communities.
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest natural forces in this country, but more than half of deaths during heatwaves occur in the most disadvantaged parts of Australia.
Some councils have already implemented new services to protect the most vulnerable.
“Extreme heat is a killer,” says Dr Kim Loo, a Western Sydney-based GP. “We’re focused on making sure that everyone in our community has access to a cool place to go.”
Dr Loo has worked closely with council officers in the implementation of heat shelters near Blacktown where she lives and works for those most vulnerable in the community.
She is calling for other local councils to offer the same support to the elderly, people with newborn babies and other vulnerable people in the heat, as the Blacktown City Council has done.
“Extreme heat makes the whole body have to work harder,” according to Dr Arnagretta Hunter, a cardiologist at Australian National University.
“Heat can affect cognitive function, it affects our mood, our heart and our kidneys,” she said.
“Heat is dangerous for vulnerable populations, older people and very young children, but also for otherwise healthy outdoor workers for whom heatstroke can develop, causing heart and kidney failure.
“Heatwaves impact our work and also our relationships, with increased risk of domestic violence.
“It is important that potential warning signs are not ignored which may indicate heat stress, such as feeling sick, dizzy or a racing pulse, and if you encounter any of these symptoms, take action to cool down – a cool place that has fans, air-conditioning and water – and seek medical attention for ongoing symptoms.”
Curtin University expert Professor Petra Tschakert said WA’s summer scorcher had highlighted the need for urban heat action plans to protect vulnerable members of society, including facilities such as cool refuges.
“While more privileged residents simply rely on air-conditioning, many others are unable to access or afford practical ways to stay cool,” Professor Tschakert said.
“This is due to economic pressures, unfair policies and societal discrimination and puts certain people most at risk. What is needed is inclusive heat planning that takes social vulnerabilities seriously and ensures affordable heat protection for all.”