Very hot days in Western Sydney are typically 5 degrees hotter than parts of the city close to the coast and are becoming more common, but only in the west. Four climate drivers explain the difference.
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Articles on urban heat island
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In 2015, 6,700 premature deaths were caused by urban heat – this can be reduced by a third by planting more trees.
Well-designed residential developments with abundant tree cover can help protect cities against urban heat and flooding.
Extreme heat waves are putting lives in danger, with some of the hottest urban neighborhoods 10 degrees hotter or more than their wealthier neighbors. Often, these are communities of color.
During heatwaves, the highest temperatures are often found in urbanized areas. Small green spaces are often overlooked as a way to cool urban areas.
Urban gardens, parks and green walls are crucial ways to tackle flash floods and city heat. But new global research finds its effectiveness varies from city to city.
Green buildings can cost more than conventional structures, but the small increase has noticeable benefits for those working and living within them.
In cities across Europe, 62% of the population doesn’t have access to the amount of nature the World Health Organisation recommends.
Hot, humid population centers are becoming epicenters of heat risk as climate changes worsens. It’s calling into question the conventional wisdom that urbanization uniformly reduces poverty.
Cities are among the harshest habitats on Earth. But when planned properly, private gardens can help improve their liveability.
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.
Parts of Nairobi are already dealing with temperature increases and reduction in humidity. These conditions are associated with increases in mortality, especially in children and the elderly.
Poverty and inequality affect the likelihood of your home overheating during heatwaves.
Buildings soak up the sun’s heat, but research shows that white roofs and surfaces can reduce temperatures inside, particularly during heat waves.
Half-a-dozen strategies are effective for cooling urban areas. Used in combination, these strategies can drop the temperature even more.
South Africa needs to develop low-cost housing solutions that are inherently comfortable and environmentally sustainable. Green roofs could be part of these solutions.
Not all of the solutions to the climate and ecological crisis have to be painful.
The urban heat island and summertime blackouts.
The Conversation25.6 MB (download)
Today, we're asking why some of the most disadvantaged parts of our cities cop the worst of a heatwave and how you -- yes, you! -- can do your bit to reduce the risk of a summer time blackout.
Climate change is making heat waves more frequent and intense around the world. Cities are hotter than surrounding areas, so urban dwellers – especially minorities and the poor – are at greatest risk.
International problems and local policies are integrally interwoven, whether the nationalists in Washington like it or not.
Top contributors
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Research Professor ISGlobal Barcelona and Professorial Fellow, ACU Melbourne, Australian Catholic University
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Professor of Human Geography and Planning, University of Tasmania
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Associate, Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, The University of Melbourne
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Lecturer in Health, Safety and Environment, Curtin University
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Adjunct Professor, Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University
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Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning & Design, Monash University
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Research Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney
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Professor of Sustainable Design & Construction, Glasgow Caledonian University
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Associate Professor in Urban Ecosystems, The University of Melbourne
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Tutor in MSD at the University of Melbourne, The University of Melbourne
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Lecturer in Landscape Architecture, The University of Melbourne
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Associate Professor, Director Australian Urban Observatory, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University
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Graduate Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, UNSW Sydney
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Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Architecture, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
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Lecturer in Hydrogeology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle
