As global temperatures rise, cities worldwide are grappling with the mounting challenges of climate change, with urban heat becoming a critical issue. In Australia, where extreme weather is the norm, cities like Sydney are feeling the heat—literally. Despite efforts to cool down urban centres, the results are often underwhelming.
Spinifex is an opinion column. If you would like to contribute, contact us to ask for a detailed brief.
Our research dives into these challenges, focusing on Sydney and surrounding areas to uncover gaps between policy and on-the-ground action. We examined the urban cooling measures prioritized by 30 councils in Sydney and analysed how well they’ve been implemented. By reviewing policy documents and interviewing council representatives, we shed light on how Sydney’s local governments are tackling heat mitigation—and where they’re falling short.
A review of official documents and policy statements from 30 councils, alongside interviews with council representatives, has provided valuable insights into the implementation of heat mitigation initiatives. The findings reveal that councils have embraced four main categories of urban cooling strategies.
Urban greening
At the forefront of these efforts is urban greening—a strategy aimed at increasing tree canopy coverage, expanding public green spaces, and integrating green infrastructure. In theory, urban greening can significantly reduce temperatures through the cooling effects of vegetation and the absorption of solar radiation.
However, our research shows that the reality is far more complex. In practice, financial and logistical challenges often limit these efforts, particularly in Western Sydney, where urban heat is most severe. Local councils in these areas struggle with limited resources, further deepening the divide between wealthier, inner-city districts and the outer suburbs.
While the cooler inner-city areas enjoy extensive green spaces, residents in outer suburbs—where temperatures soar—are left more vulnerable to extreme heat events.
Resource allocation
A striking finding of our study is the disparity in resource allocation for green infrastructure. Wealthier districts benefit from better urban design, more sustainable buildings, and well-maintained public spaces, while lower-income communities, where heat risk is highest, often receive far fewer investments in green infrastructure. This uneven distribution not only exacerbates the urban heat island effect but also raises concerns about equity and social justice in climate resilience planning.
Another critical area of focus is sustainable building practices. While energy efficiency measures have been incorporated into local building codes, these standards often do not directly address urban heat. Moreover, the implementation of sustainable building practices is inconsistent across different regions.
Our research suggests that current building codes must be strengthened to better respond to the specific challenge of urban overheating and should be uniformly enforced across all areas, particularly in high-risk regions like Western Sydney.
Water-sensitive urban design
In addition to green infrastructure, water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is another vital strategy in cooling cities. Although WSUD’s cooling benefits are well-documented, its implementation in Sydney has been constrained by budget limitations and competing land use priorities. Concerns over cost, space, and maintenance prevent the widespread adoption of these cooling systems, limiting the city’s ability to protect its residents from extreme heat.
Vulnerable populations
Perhaps the most urgent issue our study highlights is the disproportionate impact of heat on vulnerable populations, particularly in Western Sydney.
These areas, already grappling with socio-economic challenges, are least equipped to cope with the health risks posed by prolonged heat exposure. Residents in these communities often lack the means to cool their homes or access public cooling facilities, making them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the strain on public health systems is likely to grow, worsening the social inequalities already present in these areas.
Despite the considerable efforts by local governments to mitigate urban heat, the effectiveness of these strategies is often undermined by several factors. A key barrier is the limited regulatory power local councils have over urban planning and building development.
With urban expansion and densification outpacing the implementation of sustainable and heat-resistant design, councils are left with little authority to enforce building standards that prioritise urban cooling. This regulatory gap hinders the ability of local governments to effectively address the escalating heat risks in their communities.
To bridge this gap, our study advocates for greater regulatory authority for local councils in urban planning decisions. Empowering councils with the ability to enforce urban cooling measures, such as stricter building codes and design standards, is critical to tackling Sydney’s growing heat problem.
Creating a climate-resilient Sydney will require significant investment, but the cost of inaction is far greater. Without immediate and cohesive action, Sydney’s most vulnerable communities will continue to bear the brunt of climate change. Urban heat is not just an environmental challenge—it is a social justice issue that demands a coordinated response from all levels of government.
Find out more information about our research here.
