Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a health issue too. In this episode of The Round Up, host A/Prof Elissa Hatherly speaks with Canadian public health practitioner Hannah Mason, who studied at James Cook University, about how rising heat is reshaping health in North Queensland.

From a 13% jump in ambulance calls to spikes in ED presentations and hospital admissions, Hannah explains how heatwaves stretch health services, which groups are most vulnerable, and why public health strategies like preparedness planning and community education are critical. She also explores broader climate-linked risks—from disease outbreaks to environmental hazards—and what it means for the future of healthcare.

Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, allied health professional, or simply curious about the intersection of climate and health, this episode offers clear, practical insights for protecting patients and communities in a hotter world.

Resources:

• JCU Master of Public Health: https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/master-of-public-health
• Mason, HM, et al. The impact of extreme heat on mass-gathering sporting events: Implications for Australia and other countries. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 27 (2024) 515-524.
• Mason, H, et al. Systematic review of the impact of heatwaves on health service demand in Australia. BMC Health Services Research (2022) 22: 960.
• Mason, HM, et al. Determining the Impact of Heatwaves on Emergency Ambulance Calls in Queensland: A Retrospective Population-Based Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023), 20, 4875.
• Franklin, RC, et al. Heatwaves and mortality in Queensland 2010–2019: implications for a homogenous state-wide approach. International Journal of Biometeorology (2023) 67: 503-515.
• Matthew Agius. Half a year of dangerous heat beckons for parts of Australia in 1.8 degree warmer world. Cosmos Magazine, 26 August 2022.