Australians have been facing a myriad of natural disasters since 2019, with four out of five residents experiencing at least one extreme weather event, according to a nationally representative poll. The survey, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by the Climate Council, showed that 51% of respondents were “very or fairly worried” about climate change and extreme weather events in the country. The most common disasters Australians had lived through were heatwaves, flooding, bushfires, and droughts, with 80% of those affected reporting at least one extreme weather event.
The research highlighted the significant emotional toll that natural disasters can take on individuals, with many respondents reporting negative impacts on their mental health. Associate Prof Grant Blashki, Beyond Blue’s lead clinical adviser, noted that the climate crisis is not just about physical threats, but also about the mental health impacts and emotional wellbeing of communities. He emphasized the need to address the emotional wellbeing of those affected, saying that we must talk not just about damaged land and buildings, but also about the broken spirits of many communities.
Rural and regional areas were disproportionately affected, with people in these areas more likely to have experienced flooding and inadequate mental health services. Queensland and New South Wales residents were the most likely to have experienced multiple disasters since 2019, with more than a third in both states reporting multiple flooding events. A follow-up survey conducted by the Climate Council found that symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD were common among those who had lived through a natural disaster, with more than a third reporting inadequate mental health support.
Australians Endure Waves of DisastersJohn Grono and Donna Andrews, who lost their home in the 2020 bushfires, shared their personal experiences, highlighting the trauma and stress that comes with living through natural disasters. Grono reflected on the impact of repeated displacement, saying, “I’d only ever lived in four homes. In the last three years I’ve lived in six, and that’s a killer.” Andrews added, “There are long-term effects that come from these things – both of us are strong and capable people. But this is something we will be living with all our lives.”
Dr Joelle Gergis, a climate scientist at the Australian National University, warned that the extreme weather events of the past few years are a precursor to what is to come with global warming. She emphasized the need for a greater focus on adapting to the impacts of the climate crisis, including supporting the mental health of those affected. Gergis called for more coordinated planning to protect and support disaster-hit areas, stating that the black summer bushfires and catastrophic flooding on the east coast of Australia should serve as a warning of what is to come with higher levels of warming.