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Climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of heatwaves in Western Australia (WA), impacting the wellbeing and mortality of many Australians.
Over the last century, the average global temperature has increased in Perth. Rising temperatures disproportionately impact vulnerable people, such as those living on low incomes and those with disability and chronic health issues, as they are more likely to not have access to heat adaptation capacities such as strong social networks, air conditioning, and housing with proper insulation.
The purpose of this project is to map regions impacted by high heat against vulnerable populations affected by high heat across WA. We are developing targeted strategies, actions and resources to enable communities, including government agencies, and those most vulnerable to better prepare for high heat-related consequences to their health and well-being. We are working closely with communities across our three pilot sites to develop heat interventions, as well as working with the Department of Communities and Department of Health to develop an interactive heat vulnerability map.
This project partners with Department of Communities and Department of Health to deliver the main objectives. Other project partners include the Bureau of Meteorology and the AusEnHealth Project, through FrontierSI and Queensland University of Technology. This project is also fortunate to have expertise engagement from several groups including the Climate Justice Union, LinkWest, University of Curtin, University of Western Australia, WA Local Government Association, and independent experts.
To learn more about how to protect you and your loved ones from high heat, read Department of Health’s heat advice here.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Heat Vulnerability Project team acknowledges the First peoples of the lands of which we work, listen, and learn on. The Kariyarra people in the north, the Wardandi and Pibulmen Nyoongar people to the south and the Whadjuk and Pinjareb people on the Southwest coast.
We would like to pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend our deepest respects to all Aboriginal people across the lands and waters of Australia. The Heat Vulnerability Project acknowledges that sovereignty was never ceded.