Climate change is increasingly impacting rural emergency departments across Australia. Extreme weather events—such as bushfires, floods, and heatwaves—are becoming more frequent and severe, leading to heightened demand for emergency services in rural and remote areas. These events not only increase patient presentations but also disrupt access to routine care due to damaged infrastructure and resource limitations.
A 2021 scoping review found that extreme heat events significantly increase ambulance call-outs in rural and regional settings. The researchers warned of a disproportionate burden on smaller services, where surges in demand are harder to absorb.
Meanwhile, a survey of doctors in the Northern Territory found that 34% of respondents said climate change had already made them—or was likely to make them—consider leaving the region. That’s an alarming signal for rural workforce sustainability, already under pressure in many jurisdictions.
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) has recognised these threats, calling for urgent action on disaster preparedness, staff support, and climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure EDs can respond safely and sustainably to future climate-related crises.
As rural clinicians on the frontlines, we have a pivotal role in addressing the health impacts of climate change. Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) is a medical advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding health through environmental stewardship. By joining DEA, you can contribute to policy development, community education, and initiatives aimed at building climate-resilient healthcare systems.
🔗 Learn more and become a member
First published in the RRECN Newsletter (July 2025).
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