Heatwaves are a silent killer
HEATWAVES ARE A SILENT KILLER. Major heatwaves have caused more deaths since 1890 than busfires, cyclones, earthquakes, floods and severe storms combined.
IT'S HOT IN PARRAMATTA
CITIES ARE HOTTER THAN RURAL AREAS DUE TO THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT



PARRAMATTA
has more hot days than Sydney
PEOPLE IMPACT
Periods of extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses:
- Dehydration
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
- Worsening of existing medical conditions
CITY IMPACT
Extreme heat:
- Damages electricity and transport infrastructure
- Increases need for air-conditioning which increases cost of living
- Increases peak energy demand, driving up infrastructure costs
- Increases the risk of power cuts
- Increases air pollution
WHO ARE MOST AT RISK?







IT'S GETTING WORSE




PARRAMATTA will get 1-5 more days obove 35C in near future (2020-2039)
WHAT CAN PARRAMATTA DO?

DELIVER BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE
- More shade structures
- Reflective/light coloured surfaces
- Materials that don't retain heat
- Water features
- Water refill stations/drinking fountains

GREEN OUR STREETS
Trees are essential to:- Provide shade
- Cool the air
- Reduce energy use
- Reduce wind speeds
- Regulate stormwater quantity and quality
- Remove air pollution
- Increase bioversity
PARTNERSHIPS


This infographic was funded by Western Sydney Local Health District as a partnership with the City of Parramatta