Heatwaves have already begun in southern Australia this spring, and more are predicted over the summer months on the back of an El Nino declaration and worsening climate change.

Dr Kate Wylie, a GP and the Executive Director of Doctors for the Environment Australia, is one of the experts interviewed for this Guardian story on what Australians need to know about heatwaves and how to prepare.

Dr Wylie said there needed to be greater recognition of heatwaves as a serious health threat. Heatstroke and exhaustion are a risk, but heatwaves can also exacerbate chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, MS and asthma.

An action plan to prepare ahead for the health impacts of heatwaves is necessary- at an individual level, as well as by local and state governments.

Read the full story published on 21 September 2023 in The Guardian

Find out more about heatwaves by reading our fact sheet Heatwaves and Health in Australia.