Vulnerability of Australia to heatwaves: A systematic review on influencing factors, impacts, and mitigation options

BACKGROUND Heatwaves have received major attention globally due to their detrimental effects on human health and the environment. The frequency, duration, and severity of heatwaves have increased recently due to changes in climatic conditions, anthropogenic forcing, and rapid urbanization. Australia is highly vulnerable to this hazard. Although there have been an increasing number of studies conducted in Australia related to the heatwave phenomena, a systematic review of heatwave vulnerability has rarely been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES This study aims to provide a systematic and overarching review of the different components of heatwave vulnerability (e.g., exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity) in Australia. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol. Peer-reviewed English language articles published between January 2000…