Climate change to most affect Indigenous people

Indigenous people living in remote communities in northern and central Australia will be among the hardest hit by climate change, according to an article in the Medical Journal of Australia on January 5.

"Elevated temperatures and increases in hot spells are expected to be a major problem for indigenous health in remote areas", the article states.

The authors of the article, Donna Green, Ursula King and Joe Morrison, call on the government to recognise the impact of ecology and social factors on the lives of Indigenous Australians and adapt its health policy accordingly.

"For many indigenous people, a connection with 'country' - a place of ancestry, identity, language, livelihood and community - is a key determinant of health", they argue. "If the community-owned country becomes 'sick' through environmental degradation, climate impacts, or inability of the traditional owners to fulfil cultural obligations through ongoing management and habitation of their land, the people of that land will feel this 'sickness' themselves."

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.