The number of Australians affected by extreme weather is expected to rise due to a hot summer and cost of living pressures.
A report from The Australia Institute indicates that about 20% (5.38 million) of Aussies are highly vulnerable to extreme heat (above 35 degrees).
Dr Kate Wylie, Executive Director of DEA: “Those who are hit the hardest are older people, babies, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, such as heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as those living in poorly insulated homes, in areas with little shade, people in cities and renters.”