Climate change: a brief overview of the science and health impacts for Australia

Summary

• The scientific relationship between atmospheric CO₂ and global temperatures has been understood for over a century.
• Atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ due to burning of fossil fuels have contributed to 75% of the observed 1°C rise in global temperatures since the start of the industrial era (about 1750).
• Global warming is associated with intensifying climatic extremes and disruption to human society and human health.
• Mitigation is vital for human health as continued current emission rates are likely to lead to 4°C of warming by 2100.
• Further escalation of Australia’s hot and erratic climate will lead to more extreme climate-related disasters of heatwaves, droughts, fires and storms, as well as shifts in disease burdens.