Western Sydney on the Frontline of Climate Change

Strategic Insights -

As Australia's first-ever National Climate Risk Assessment warns that heat-related deaths in Sydney could rise by 444 per cent due to climate change, Western Sydney is already bearing the brunt of extreme heat. The region's tree canopy coverage is dire, with many suburbs having less than 20 per cent tree coverage, fueling the 'heat island' effect. However, councils and experts are working on solutions to mitigate the effects of urban heat, including improving tree cover, green shading, and altering artificial lawns and parks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian government's National Climate Risk Assessment warns that heat-related deaths in Sydney could rise by 444 per cent due to climate change under a 3C warming scenario.
  • There were about 341 heat-related excess deaths in Sydney due to heatwaves between 2007 and 2017, according to the Australian Climate Service.
  • Trees and vegetation can lower temperatures by up to 6C on days of extreme heat, according to a Macquarie University study from 2020.
  • The 'heat island' effect is a significant contributor to urban heat, with many suburbs in Western Sydney having less than 20 per cent tree canopy coverage.
  • Councils such as Blacktown have made significant efforts to mitigate the effects of urban heat, planting over 12,000 new trees in the past four years.
  • The use of vine-covered structures at a car park in Merrylands has reduced surface temperatures by 35C on summer days.
  • Artificial lawns and parks can contribute to the urban heat effect, with surface temperatures exceeding 100C on a summer's day, according to Sebastian Pfautsch, a professor of urban management and planning at Western Sydney University.
  • Community spaces are being converted into 'heat refuges', providing a cool zone with good air-conditioning and facilities for residents on extreme heat days.
  • NSW has announced a target of 40 per cent tree canopy coverage across Sydney by 2036 and has funded 131 urban greening projects.

Statistics:

  • 341 heat-related excess deaths in Sydney due to heatwaves between 2007 and 2017 (Australian Climate Service).
  • 6C temperature reduction on days of extreme heat through the use of trees and vegetation (Macquarie University study, 2020).
  • 12,000 new trees planted in Blacktown in the past four years.
  • 35C temperature reduction on summer days using vine-covered structures at a car park in Merrylands.
  • 100C surface temperature recorded on a summer's day at sites with artificial grass (Sebastian Pfautsch, Western Sydney University).
  • 40 per cent tree canopy coverage target across Sydney by 2036 (NSW Government).
  • 131 urban greening projects funded by NSW (NSW Government).

Sources:

  • Australian government's first-ever National Climate Risk Assessment.
  • Australian Climate Service.
  • Macquarie University study (2020).
  • Blacktown City Council.
  • Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting.
  • City of Parramatta.
  • NSW Government.
  • Sweltering Cities advocacy group.
  • Sebastian Pfautsch, professor of urban management and planning at Western Sydney University.