Overview

• 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.