Think Tank Downplays Heat Deaths to Sway Coalition on Climate Policy

A conservative think tank has drawn criticism for telling Australian Coalition MPs that “heat deaths aren’t a thing” during a recent parliamentary briefing aimed at undermining support for net-zero emissions policies.

The Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) presented to Coalition members in Canberra this week, attempting to convince them to abandon climate action commitments. According to Guardian Australia reporting, the organization selectively cited a climate risk report to support their dismissal of heat-related fatalities, while conveniently ignoring sections of the same report that warn about future heat-related health risks.

This misleading presentation highlights a concerning trend of cherry-picking scientific data to support predetermined political positions. Heat-related deaths are well-documented by health authorities worldwide, with extreme temperature events already claiming lives across Australia during increasingly severe heatwaves. Climate scientists consistently warn that without significant emissions reductions, heat-related mortality will likely increase as global temperatures continue rising.

The CIS briefing represents part of broader efforts to discourage Australian politicians from supporting policies designed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. However, the organization’s selective use of climate data undermines the credibility of their arguments and potentially puts public health at risk by downplaying legitimate climate threats. As Australia faces mounting pressure to strengthen its climate commitments, the accuracy and completeness of information provided to lawmakers becomes increasingly crucial for informed policy-making that protects both current and future generations from escalating climate impacts.