Climate Change

Climate Change Could be Harmful to Your HealthCSIRO


A combination of climate-change-induced temperature rises and increasing levels of air pollution could exacerbate the harmful effects of heat stress experienced by people living in Sydney, according to new research by CSIRO scientist, Dr Martin Cope.
In an address today to the GREENHOUSE 2009 conference in Perth, Dr Cope said the number of days Sydney experiences temperatures of 30°C or more is projected to increase significantly in the future.

Photo credit: CSIRO
“This, in turn, will increase fire risk and associated levels of air pollution,” Dr Cope said.
“At higher temperatures, polluting compounds from sources such as motor vehicles or bushfires react in the air to generate ozone.
“This again is of particular concern because high levels of ozone in the atmosphere can also trigger a number of health problems including aggravation of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema.”
He said increasingly frequent hot days could lead to more frequent smog episodes and a major increase in heat stress-related deaths and hospitalisations, particularly among the elderly.“We have modelled climate and ozone pollution for Sydney for a 2050-2060 climate change scenario and found that the number of hospital admissions due to ozone pollution is predicted to increase by up to three times the current rate.”
The World Health Organisation estimates that climate change may already cause over 150,000 premature deaths worldwide each year.
In a related address to the conference, a consultant with sustainability firm Net Balance, Nicole Joffe, said that between 2081-2100, extreme heat stress cases in the Melbourne region could increase by at least 100 per cent and up to 226 per cent above levels recorded in 1981-2000.
The GREENHOUSE 2009 conference (23-26 March) is being attended by some of the world’s leading experts on climate change.

GREEN TIPS

Greener Living
Green Tips
Top banana
We all know that bananas are the ultimate in convenience food, they have their own protective, biodegrable skin. But did you know that before you put that skin on the compost you can give your leather shoes a good polish? Rub in gently then buff off with a soft cloth.
The key to a warm homeMake sure that your radiators are working at full capacity by 'bleeding' them. If your radiator feels cool at the top but warm at the bottom then dig out your key. Make sure your central heating is off and have to hand some rag cloth to catch any escaping water.
Easy Peasy Lemon SqueezyI was gifted with a brilliant green tip over the festive period. A lovely granny told me that she prevents throwing away lemon and limes when making drinks by preparing them first. She simply slices the fruit up and puts the slices in the freezer. Plus it helps keep your drink cool. Sparkling idea!
Fats no good
Do you end up with cups of fat drained off from your food sitting in your fridge or getting thrown out in the rubbish? I was shocked to find a huge bowl full in a friends house recently and realised that there is a green solution. Mix up your fats with left over bread (or the crusts from your morning toast) & seeds and leave to set in old yoghurt pots to make bird feed. Place a loop of string to hang in your garden.