Projected Extreme Heat Stress in Northern Australia and the Implications for Development Policy

Abstract

Heat stress, resulting from elevated heat and absolute humidity associated with climate change, will increasingly occur in the tropics and parts of the mid-latitudes and could threaten the liveability and viability of many regions. Concomitant with predictions of increased heat stress in northern Australia, the Australian Government seeks to boost the population in northern Australia substantially. This paper assesses the heat stress-related wet-bulb temperatures the largest northern centres could experience under Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5 by 2080. The paper finds that substantial population growth could place significant future urban populations at risk from heat stress-related health issues.