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The Canberra Times: Increased heat linked to suicidal thoughts in the young

Research from the University of NSW shows that suicidal thoughts in young Australians (ages 12 to 24) increase by 1.3% for each degree rise in daily temperature. Analyzing 55,000 hospital visits from 2012 to 2019, researchers found that distress levels spike on hot days, not just during heatwaves.

Mental health crisis calls also rise with temperature, highlighting the link between climate change and youth health issues. The strongest effects were noted in western Sydney and inland areas, where socio-economic factors worsen the impact of heat. Recommendations include improving housing, providing access to cool spaces, targeted interventions, and phasing out fossil fuels to safeguard young people's mental health.

Doctors for the Environment Australia spokesman and study co-author James Scott called for an urgent phase-out of fossil fuels.
"Our research shows that young Australians' mental health suffers in the heat and we know that climate pollution is contributing to increased extreme weather, including heat," Professor Scott said.

Read the full article in The Canberra Times

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