Rising Temperatures Projected to Drive 50% Surge in Mental Health Disorders in Australia by 2050

New research underscores escalating mental health risks from extreme heat, with young Australians and certain regions facing the greatest burden.

A study published in *Nature Climate Change* highlights that high temperatures currently cause an annual loss of 8,459 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Australia, representing 1.8% of mental health-related burdens.
Projections indicate that heat-related mental and behavioral disorders (MBDs) could increase by nearly 50% by 2050 under high-emissions scenarios if no action is taken.
Young Australians aged 15 to 44 are particularly vulnerable to heat-induced mental health challenges, exacerbating existing risks for this age group.
Geographic disparities reveal that the Northern Territory faces the highest relative risk, while South Australia and Victoria currently bear the largest proportional mental health burdens from extreme heat.
Researchers are calling for urgent, targeted policy interventions, including heat-health action plans, mental health support during heatwaves, and investments in community resilience to mitigate the crisis.