The way we build our cities is adversely affecting our health, and, in particular, our hearts. Thinking of urban planners as health professionals could change that
As the climate changes and heatwaves become more frequent and severe, it’s vital we do more to understand who is most vulnerable and how we can reduce their risk.
Cities occupy just 3% of the Earth’s surface, yet more than half the world’s population live in urban environments. We need nation-wide plans to keep our cities cool so no one gets left behind.
Absolute temperatures are expected to rise more slowly in the tropics than in higher latitudes and polar regions, but the combination of heat and rising humidity will make life more challenging.
A global temperature rise of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels could have devastating consequences for city dwellers.
Some materials and surfaces radiate much more heat (red areas) than others, as can be seen in this thermal image of Arncliffe Street in Wolli Creek, Sydney.
Hot spots occur at the scale of where people live – the building, the street, the block – which means urban design and building materials have profound implications for our health and well-being.
Health issues from extreme heat are a reality for many in Africa.
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Most people are acutely aware of the toll the heat can take on human life. So it may come as a surprise that more Australians die from the cold than the heat.
Heated contest: Mitchell Johnson and Steve Smith try to cool down during the Brisbane test in December 2014.
AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Sport is fundamental to Australia’s society, culture and economy. But how would we cope when the rising heat threatens some of our most beloved pastimes? A new report from the Climate Institute urges sports…
Queensland’s drought conditions have been worsened by persistent high temperatures.
AAP Image/Dan Peled
Australia has been hit by two years of heat: 2013 was the hottest ever recorded and 2014 wasn’t far behind, taking third place. The country has also sweltered through several significant heatwaves, and…
Wind and humidity affect how easy it is to cool off in a heatwave. Big swimming pools help, too.
AAP Image/Dan Peled
Several Australian cities, such as Adelaide and Perth, have greeted 2015 with scorching weather as summer hits its stride – the kind of conditions that leave us crying out for an air conditioner, rather…