A report released today reveals which Hobart suburbs and communities are most at risk from increasing heatwave shocks under climate change.
According to the Geoneon report commissioned by the City of Hobart, New Town, Sandy Bay and Lenah Valley have been identified as the areas most susceptible to rising temperatures.
Nearly a quarter of all Hobart homes fall within the highest risk categories.
New Town is the most at-risk suburb, with 1621 buildings classified in the highest risk categories, followed by Sandy Bay with 1011 buildings, and Lenah Valley with 1001 buildings.
The number of houses most affected centres around urban areas, clearly illustrating the urban heat island effect.
People most at risk to hot weather and heatwaves are those aged 65 years and over, five years and under, people with chronic health conditions or disability, people living in low socio-economic areas or living rough, outdoor workers and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Data from the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania shows that statewide there is a 6% increase in ambulance dispatches and a 5% increase in emergency department presentations during heatwaves. UTAS research also found that statewide there is an 8% increase in mortality during heatwaves.
Currently Hobart swelters through seven days a year of temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius. Under climate change that figure will jump to ten days a year by 2050.
The City of Hobart is actively addressing urban heat risks by identifying areas for increased tree canopy, investing in climate resilience and exploring best-practice responses from other cities for local implementation.
Individuals can also take simple steps to protect themselves and others during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated, checking on vulnerable neighbours and seeking out cool spaces.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds
"As climate change drives up summer temperatures we can expect to see more frequent heatwaves and days of hot weather in Hobart," Councillor Reynolds said.
"Some of our suburbs are 1-7° Celsius hotter than surrounding areas due to the urban heat island effect, where roads and concrete buildings retain and amplify the heat produced by long, hot summer days.
"Understanding and reducing the urban heat risk is crucial for protecting communities.
"That's why it is so important we help educate our community about how they can take action to reduce the impacts of heatwaves in Hobart on themselves, friends and family.
"It's also crucial we counteract rising heatwaves by increasing Hobart's tree canopy cover and using building materials and built infrastructure that cools our cities and homes during the hotter months of the year.
"Hobart may be known for its cool weather but in summer we can suffer through a number of very hot days and nights one after the other.
"These heatwaves are only expected to increase under climate change."
Throughout summer the City of Hobart is urging locals to understand and prepare for the impacts of heatwaves on their families, pets, and the most vulnerable in the community.
The City of Hobart has developed a strong, multi layered framework through our 2040 Climate Ready Hobart Strategy to respond to climate change, with heat risk mitigation emerging as a major priority.
