Spatial vulnerability analysis of urban populations during extreme heat events

A recent report has highlighted the risk that extreme heat events pose to all individuals, especially the elderly and chronically ill, and the fact that they lead to an increased demand for healthcare services. "A Spatial vulnerability analysis of urban populations during extreme heat events in Australian capital cities" has been published by Monash University with the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF).

Policy makers need to know which temperature levels pose a significant risk, where the vulnerable groups in the community are located, and future scenarios for climate change.  This report identifies threshold temperatures for all Australian capital cities and includes a spatial index of population vulnerability, as well as predicting future temperatures and population changes.  This information is aimed to assist emergency managers and healthcare professionals to be prepared for future extreme heat events.