A study from the University of Sydney has found that extreme heat could increase mental health risks for young people, with heat-related hospital admissions projected to rise by at least six percent by the end of the century. The research, published in the journal Environmental Research, analyzed data from over 1.2 million hospital admissions in New South Wales, Australia, between 2006 and 2019.
The study focused on individuals aged 0-24 and found that for every 1°C increase in daily mean temperature above a local threshold, there was a 1.5% increase in hospital admissions for mental health conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, and self-harm. The researchers used climate models to project future scenarios, estimating a 6% increase in such admissions by 2090 under a high-emissions scenario.
Lead author Dr. Thomas Longden emphasized that young people are particularly vulnerable to heat-related mental health impacts due to their developing physiology and limited ability to regulate body temperature. The study calls for targeted public health interventions, including better access to cooling centers and mental health support during heatwaves.
The findings underscore the broader health risks of climate change, as extreme heat events become more frequent and intense. The researchers note that while the study is specific to New South Wales, the implications are global, especially for regions with aging infrastructure and limited resources for heat adaptation.
