Vector Volume 11 Issue 2 - 2017

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Coal mining, climate change and the global impacts on health: examining Adani’s proposed Carmichael coal mine Introduction The proposed Adani-owned Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland is currently in the final stages of planning with the support of both the Queensland and Australian governments. It is in the interest of human health, locally and abroad, for the medical profession to advocate on behalf of the community and lobby our legislators to reject this project. The Carmichael site will be the world’s largest export coal venture and the biggest mining site in Australia, consisting of six open cut pits and five underground mines. Mined in the Galilee Basin, 160km north-west of Clermont, coal will then be transported on a new railway network before connecting to shipping terminals bound for India via the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.[1] Adani has stated that it plans to mine 60 million tonnes of coal every year over the expected 60 year lifespan of the Carmichael mine site.[2] The estimated annual average emissions of the proposed Adani coal mine are equivalent to the annual emissions of Malaysia, Vietnam or Sri Lanka.[3] The Carmichael mine is a highly politicised topic with widespread implications. This article considers some of the impacts on Australia’s economy, our natural environment (and that of our regional neighbours), and crucially; the seriousness of the Carmichael mine’s contribution to climate change and its effect on human health. Health Implications on a Global Scale The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that climate change is the greatest threat to human health this century.[4] This gigantic coal mine is set to contribute significantly to climate change. It will adversely affect [Feature Article] John E Morgan John Morgan is a fourth year medical student at James Cook University. He is passionate about advocacy, climate change and issues facing the developing countries within our region. He is a member of Doctors for the Environment and AMSA’s Mental Health Campaign. Based in Cairns, he loves bushwalking and camping (and so far hasn’t had any crocodiles up close). A report recently published in The Lancet has condemned the planned Adani Carmichael project as a “public health disaster” population health through greenhouse gas emissions, waterway damage and land clearing. A report recently published in The Lancet has condemned the planned Adani Carmichael project as a “public health disaster”, arguing that the health impacts and environmental damage will be significant for Australia and its regional neighbours.[5] The net effect of obtaining and using coal from the Carmichael site is estimated to release 4.7 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions,[6] which will contribute to climate change. This will result in increased human exposure to pollen, moulds and air pollution, reducing air quality and increase the incidence of respiratory diseases.[7] Ambient pollution in Australia is primarily derived from fossil fuel powered electricity generation, heavy industry and wood or coal based home heating.[8] Annually, 3000 Australians die due to urban air pollution, more than the national road toll.[9] In its current state, the air pollution problem is already being insufficiently addressed. Additionally, exposure to ozone is linked with increased hospital admissions for respiratory diseases amongst both children and the elderly.[10] Our legislators must act decisively and commit meaningful action to reduce the impact of climate change as it will affect the health of future generations and our present vulnerable elderly population. Currently, 5% of the population will experience an allergic respiratory response to airborne moulds during their lifetime.[<strong>11</strong>] Changes in global precipitation are likely to increase the prevalence of airborne moulds.[7] Additionally, ambient air pollutants and allergens are most likely to exacerbate respiratory disease in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.[12] Climate change associated air pollution will undoubtedly worsen the quality of life of patients living with chronic airway diseases. 21
Coal combustion affects the water as well as the air. Rising water temperatures linked to climate change will cause further aerosolisation of marine toxins, thereby increasing respiratory disease prevalence globally.[7] Asthmatics exposed to the harmful algal bloom Karenia brevis’ marine aerosols on the south east coast of the United States of America (USA) experienced respiratory symptoms after just one hour of exposure. Inland residents experienced an average of 3.49 symptoms, more than coastal residents, who experienced an average of 2.24 symptoms.[13] This suggests that aerosolisation of marine toxins will increase respiratory morbidity as climate change related aerosols proliferate and distribute further afield. The cardiovascular burden of disease will worsen in the future if action is not taken now to reduce the impacts of climate change.[7] Airborne particulate matter is associated with compromised heart function, atherosclerotic disease, deep vein thrombosis,[14] and pulmonary embolism.[15] The particulates contributing to air pollution include black carbon, sulphates, nitrates, a complex mixture of metals and other byproducts from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.[16] In areas with long term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution, it was found that an increase of just 10 ug/m3 is associated with a 70% increase in DVT risk.[15] Ozone is another key pollutant - exposure to a 10g/m3 increment has demonstrated an increase in the risk of cardiopulmonary mortality by 1.014 times. [14] Both particulate matter and ozone type air pollution cause adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Increased global temperatures will exacerbate heat related deaths due to an increased frequency of heat stress events.[7] Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke,[17] of which 15% of cases are fatal.[18] Heat related health events typically occur on the same day as initial exposure.[19] Emergency departments (ED) in Brisbane have demonstrated that during days ≥35°C, elderly patients were 1.9 times as likely to present to the ED and 3.75 times as likely to present due to heat-related complications specifically.[20] Based on current modelling of Brisbane’s population growth, ED presentations on days ≥35°C and the projected climate change related temperature increases, it is predicted to cause a 125-2065% increase in excess visits by 2060. [20] Consequently, political inaction now will continue to worsen the burden on public ED services. In areas with long term exposure to high levels of particulate matter air pollution, it was found that an increase of just 10 ug/m3 is associated with a 70% increase in DVT risk. [22] This emerging group of environmentally displaced people will need support to cope.[23] Climate change has the potential to create disasters beyond the capacity of developing nations’ public health systems.[24] Action must be taken to reduce the impact of climate change for the sake of public health. The global community is interconnected and each nation has the responsibility to reduce its contributions to climate change. Consequently, the impact of the planned Carmichael mine site and its extensive environmental damage will have substantial impact on human health into the future. Locally, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis has reemerged in Queensland with at least 20 cases recently diagnosed, highlighting the lack of appropriate health protection within the Queensland coal industry.[25] If the Queensland and Australian governments can’t manage these Occupational Health and Safety issues at home, how can they contribute to the ‘safe’ delivery and burning of this coal in Adani’s power stations in India – a country where air pollution already kills an estimated 1.1 million people annually.[26] If the mine proceeds, the flow on effects of poor governing locally will have detrimental health impacts on a global scale. Environmental Implications The establishment of the proposed Carmichael coal mine and its shipping impact will damage vital ecosystems and reshape the lives and health of the people reliant on waterways and reefs. More than 500 million people around the planet rely on coral reefs for food, income and storm protection.[29] Climate related changes in waves, ocean circulation, cyclone frequency, temperature and precipitation will impact fisheries in tropical Queensland and further north.[30] Additionally, fisheries in our region may be contaminated by chemicals released into seawater by the mine and from increased shipping traffic. This will have economic, social and health implications and affect the productivity of the seafood industry in Australia and surrounding nations, especially those that rely on it as a major industry and cultural cornerstone.[30] Climate change associated contamination of food staples is also likely to impact on nutrition and human development.[7] In parallel, the social aspects of recreational fishing are also highly sensitive to climate change.[30] Thus, along with the state of the environment, multiple social determinants of health are at risk of declining for our coastal communities. The psychological impacts of climate change are generally indirect and have only recently been considered as part of the widespread impacts of climate change on health. Extreme weather events can lead to mental health disorders associated with loss, displacement and social disruption. This can increase anxiety about the future, with already-disadvantaged communities most likely to suffer the most severe consequences.[21] Two hundred million people will be displaced by climate change by 2050. Implications for Australia In Central Queensland, the proposed Adani mine will see more than 10,000 hectares of native bushland cleared from around the Galilee Basin. Combined with the Carmichael mine’s generous water licence enabling unlimited groundwater use from the Great Artesian Basin,[31] this has huge potential for irreversible environmental damage. 22
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Page 23: Key messages • Fossil fuel divest
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