Climate,urbanisation and vulnerability to vector-borne disease in subtropical coastal Australia: Sustainable policy for a changing environment |
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Authors: | Anna Lyth Neil J Holbrook Paul J Beggs |
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Institution: | 1. Graduate School of the Environment, Macquarie University , Sydney , NSW , 2109 , Australia;2. Department of Physical Geography , Macquarie University , Sydney , NSW , 2109 , Australia |
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Abstract: | This paper examines the current health policy response to the management of vector-borne disease (VBD), specifically Ross River (RR) virus, in subtropical coastal Australia. It demonstrates the multi-dimensional nature of the VBD problem and considers the value of more sustainable policy responses. The paper provides an integrated exploration of the incidence of RR virus in the context of socio-biophysical interactions and change, climate variability, and possible enhanced threat due to climate change. The study focuses on two subtropical coastal case study regions in Australia. Collectively, the existing and emerging socio-biophysical interactions in these regionsraise questions as to the future risks and management of RR virus, while climate change adds a significant further dimension. The paper demonstrates the need for the incorporation of environmental planning elements, particularly attention to strategic assessment and planning, into the traditional suite of health policy responses given the multi-dimensional nature of the problem and evident socio-biophysical environmental change. |
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Keywords: | Vector-borne disease Ross River virus Biophysical environments Climate variability Climate change Health policy Strategic environmental planning Subtropical urban development |
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