{
  "id": 8014179,
  "title": "Most Australians doubt health system is ready for climate-related emergencies, national survey finds",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/most-australians-doubt-health-system-is-ready-for-climate-related",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-17T11:20:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-australians-health-ready-climate-emergencies.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New research reveals that while most Australians recognize climate change as a significant health issue, only a minority believe the health system is adequately prepared to handle climate-related emergencies. Conducted by the Australian Institute of Health Innovation at Macquarie University, the AU-CLARITY study surveyed 6,030 adults across all Australian states and territories. Key findings include: 65% of respondents expressed concern about climate change, and 45% perceived it as a serious risk to their personal health. However, a striking 37% doubted the readiness of the Australian health system to respond to climate-related health emergencies. Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite, the study's senior author, highlighted the disconnect between public awareness of climate change as a health concern and doubts about health system preparedness. He emphasized that understanding public perceptions is crucial for effective preparation and risk communication. The survey found that personal experiences of climate-related events, such as heat waves, floods, and bushfires, increased awareness of health risks. However, regional and remote residents were less likely to perceive climate change as a personal threat compared to metropolitan residents. Additionally, women and First Nations Australians were more likely to recognize climate-related health risks and view the health system as unprepared for future emergencies. The study underscores the need for targeted public communication, climate-ready health services, and policy responses that prioritize vulnerable groups. Experts stress that climate change poses not only an environmental challenge but also a significant threat to public health systems, necessitating immediate national attention and action.",
  "summary": "Most Australians recognize climate change as a serious national issue, and many believe it poses a serious risk to their personal health, according to new research led by the Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI) at Macquarie University and published in the Medical Journal of Australia.",
  "key_points": [
    "65% of Australians express concern about climate change as a health issue",
    "37% doubt the Australian health system's readiness for climate-related emergencies",
    "Women and First Nations Australians more likely to recognize climate risks"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}