These impacts are not only being felt by our local community, but on a broader scale both nationally and internationally. Climate and health campaigner, Shweta Narayan believes it’s impossible to have healthy people on a sick planet and that more needs to be done by placing health at the heart of the climate crisis. You can hear more about the philosophy for a healthier planet and people in Shweter’s 2021 TEDx Talk here.

In a 2018 TEDx Talk, Jonathan Patz, a professor and Chair of Health and Environment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director at the Global Health Institute, spoke to the everyday environmental challenges we face as a result of climate change.

In reframing the climate conversation, Professor Patz challenges us to think about how this could be the greatest human health opportunity of all time. He reveals long-term strategies for healthier communities and universal actions we can take now to lead a cleaner and healthier life – like riding your bike or walking rather than driving.

You can watch the full TEDx talk here.

Increased temperatures and extreme heat waves have one of the most significant impacts on our health – killing more Australians than any natural disaster. Over a 5 day period in January 2009, maximum temperatures were 12–15°C above normal throughout the state of Victoria. This resulted in 374 deaths over what would normally be expected for that time of the year during a heatwave; with our elderly community effected the most during the extreme temperatures.

Temperatures are continuing to rise. Modelling shows Maribyrnong and the rest of Victoria will become increasingly hotter and drier as the impact of the climate emergency escalates.

The low level of vegetation cover across Maribyrnong makes our City more vulnerable to rising temperatures, and can increase temperatures by as much as 15°C. This leads us to rely more heavily on air conditioning and other cooling methods that is actually making our climate hotter.

Heatwaves are apparent across the state and our City, so to stay cool, stay informed by understanding heatwaves and their severity.

Maribyrnong has some of the worst Asthma rates in Victoria with a 2015 study finding young people aged 3 to 19 were being hospitalised with respiratory problems at a greater rate than anywhere else in Victoria, and 70 per cent higher than the state average. Air pollution is a major cause of health issues, which is mainly derived from trucks and traffic in the West. Pollution from trucks and cars is also a form of greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gasses trap heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to rise – much like a blanket traps in heat.

Air quality impacts are intensified by climate change, meaning people with pre-existing health issues are at greater risk for acute respiratory effects. Bushfires and smoke are increasing due to climate change, while higher temperatures are also leading to an increase in allergens and harmful air pollutants.

While Maribyrnong City Council is working with government for cleaner air, the community can also help.

As a driver, you can help reduce pollution by

• Replacing your diesel car with an electric, hybrid or petrol vehicle
• Not idling your vehicle unnecessarily, particularly outside of schools and childcare centres
• Keeping your car tuned and regularly replacing air filters, including diesel particulate filters
• Minimising trips during peak hour by taking public transport
• Walk or ride a bike instead of driving where possible

The conversation surrounding the climate emergency can be overwhelming. Increased feelings of anxiety and helplessness can often override our logical minds and make it difficult to put plans into action. Psychologist Renée Lertzman, explores the emotional side of climate change that threatens our mental and spiritual wellbeing and shares concepts that build resilience, adaptability and help turn intention into action.

You can watch the full TEDx Talk here.

In this video series, psychotherapist Rosemary Randall takes us on a healing journey by exploring ways to deal with climate anxiety, or as they prefer to call it – climate distress. Natural feelings of fear, anxiety, anger and distress can be at the forefront of our minds when learning more about the climate crisis. Rosemary explores the different ways we can react to these feelings to better cope.