Parts of Asia and Africa are projected to be the first regions of the world to experience extended periods of heat beyond human tolerance, even with 1.5 C warming. Monash University experts are available to comment on how warming beyond 2 C could push heat in Northern Australia past the limits of human tolerance.
Researchers from the School of Biological Sciences are calling for expanded climate monitoring, through programs like RISE (Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments). A Monash University-led initiative, RISE is generating evidence on the links between human health and the natural systems to inform policies and investments to improve living conditions for residents of informal settlements around the world.
Dr Emma Ramsay (lead author), School of Biological Sciences, Monash University and Asian School of the Environment and Earth Observatory of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University
Contact: Whatsapp +65 8698 5399 or emma.ramsay@ntu.edu.sg
Read more of Dr Ramsay’s commentary in The Conversation
The following can be attributed to Dr Ramsay:
“The 1 billion people living in informal settlements across the tropics are on the front line of climate change. Yet scarce climate monitoring data from this region means that we underestimate the growing threat of humid heat stress and are underprepared to help vulnerable communities adapt.
“Scarce climate monitoring data from across the tropics, home to more than 1 billion vulnerable people living in informal settlements, mean that we are underprepared to adapt to the growing challenge of humid heat stress. Improved climate monitoring across tropical cities is urgently needed to inform early warning systems and help communities adapt.”
Professor Steven Chown, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University
Contact: +61 499 780 433 or steven.chown@monash.edu
The following can be attributed to Professor Chown:
“Humid heat is a pressing problem for humanity, especially vulnerable residents of informal settlements. Our research shows how to mitigate the problem, which has implications for Australia too.”
For more Monash media stories visit our news & events site: monash.edu/news
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu
