During a heatwave, the phenomenon of heat inequality becomes particularly pronounced. This raises the question: why do certain suburbs endure the heat more severely than others, and is there a way to mitigate this disparity?

Western Sydney often serves as a prime example of geographical heat inequality, but this issue isn’t confined to just one region. Similar patterns are evident in places like Melbourne and Adelaide, where inland suburbs suffer hotter conditions compared to their coastal neighbors during heatwaves.

As explained by experts, the materials used in urban areas contribute significantly to this problem. “These very, very dark surfaces heat the air like the bottom of a pot heats the water when you’re cooking pasta,” noted Paolini. This analogy highlights how heat can be absorbed and radiated by the urban landscape, intensifying the heat experienced by residents.

The health impacts of such heat are stark, particularly for vulnerable groups. Individuals who are older, those with chronic illnesses, and those without access to air conditioning are especially at risk. Jay pointed out that during heatwaves, hospital admissions and fatalities rise sharply among these populations. “If we just think about the hospital cases during a heatwave, both mortality and morbidity, then what we really see is that all of those numbers are massively amplified in people who are elderly and people who have chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease,” he explained.

Why does it matter?

“People who are older, people who have a chronic disease, often people who don’t have access to air conditioning, or all three of those things put together.”

“If we just think about the hospital cases [during a heatwave], both mortality and morbidity, then what we really see is that all of those numbers are massively amplified in people who are elderly … and people who have chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease,” Jay said.

“It’s looking to a not-so-nice future for us, because urbanisation is increasing, density is increasing. With poor planning, that’s where we are headed.”

What can be done?

“So even if you put all your best landscaping and all the best urban planning in one council area, it will improve the situation, but it’s like operating the air conditioning with the windows open.”