Climate projections provide insights into our warming future
The increasing risk of urban heat is a pressing concern for NSW. Climate change is driving up temperatures, leading to more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves. These extreme heat events pose significant threats to human health, infrastructure, and the environment. Heatwaves are now recognized as the deadliest natural hazard in Australia, causing more fatalities than bushfires, storms, or floods.
Parts of NSW have already endured heatwave conditions this year, including across the Metropolitan Sydney region. The Bureau of Meteorology's 2024 - 2025 summer long-range forecast predicts that large part of NSW are likely to have warmer than usual temperatures.
This trend is even more pronounced for urbanised areas like Western Sydney. For example, NARCliM2.0 projects that by 2090 for a high-emissions scenario, Western Sydney will experience 20 additional days each year with temperatures exceeding 35°C. This is more than triple the number currently experienced. These rising temperatures pose serious risks to public health, economic productivity, and essential services like energy and water supply. Heat means rising hospital admissions, lost productivity and increasing strain on critical infrastructure.
Collaborative approach to tackle heat
On Thursday, 5 December, the Hon Penny Sharpe, launched The Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce Programs’ Greater Sydney Heat Smart City Plan; a world-leading initiative to enhance heat resilience across Greater Sydney. This Plan marks a ground-breaking initiative to combat extreme heat, Sydney's deadliest natural hazard and is a five-year, multi-sector plan which involved collaborative effort from leaders in health, environment, urban planning, business, government, and the community sector.
The NSW Government's support for the "Building Adaptive Capacity to Heat in Western Sydney" initiative underscores its commitment to tackling urban heat challenges. This initiative laid the groundwork for the Greater Sydney Heat Smart City Plan, which aims to mitigate extreme heat impacts across the region. By integrating strategies such as enhancing green spaces and heat-resilient infrastructure, the Plan builds on previous efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Western Sydney. This comprehensive approach reflects the government's dedication to creating a cooler, safer, and more resilient future for all of Sydney.
This comprehensive Greater Sydney Heat Smart City Plan is a testament to the power of collaboration, with over 40 organizations and 373 individuals contributing to its development. By working together, NSW is taking decisive action to protect its residents and ensure a sustainable, heat-resilient future.
Understand your exposure to hotter days
Understanding how to adapt and build resilience to extreme heat events has never been more important. Adaptation begins by understanding your risk, which is a function of hazard, exposure and vulnerability. By using the AdaptNSW Interactive Map, you can discover the risk of ‘hot days 35°C or above’ in your area, with more detailed information available from the regional climate change snapshots.
Preparing for more days over 35°C or above is crucial. Below are some key steps you can take to stay safe and comfortable during extreme heat events.
Steps you can take to adapt
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heatwave warnings from reliable sources like the Bureau of Meteorology and Sydney University Heatwave app.
- Sign up for alerts from local authorities to stay updated on heatwave conditions.
- Be familiar with preparation actions.
- Use fans or air conditioning to keep your home cool. If you don't have air conditioning, consider spending time in public places like shopping centres or libraries that are air-conditioned
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and stay in the coolest part of your home.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks as they can dehydrate you
- Eat smaller, light meals and avoid using the oven or stove to keep your home cooler.
- Create a heatwave plan that includes checking on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours, especially the elderly and those with health conditions
- Ensure you have enough supplies, such as water, food, and medications, to last through the heatwave.
- Use window coverings like blinds or curtains to block out the sun and keep your home cooler.
- Consider installing insulation and reflective roofing materials to reduce heat absorption.
- Check out the ACT Government's Your Resilient Home guide for new builds and renovations.
- Know the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and seek medical attention if needed.
- Take frequent breaks if you need to be outside and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
By taking these steps, you can better prepare for heatwaves and reduce their impact on your health and wellbeing. Stay safe and cool!
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