Posts filed under ‘heatwave’
Heat-related deaths under-estimated as temperatures and extreme heat events increase
Moreland’s social heat vulnerability
Researchers at the Australian National University say that heat related deaths have been greatly underestimated. In the 11 years between January 2006 and October 2017 an estimated 36,765 deaths in Australia can be attributed to heat-related causes.
As we know climate change is increasing average temperatures and the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in Australia.
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Moreland summer temperatures increasing with global heating
Moreland’s Average Maximum January temperature trend
“In Moreland, January’s average top temperature is up 2.4C since 1971.” says Dr Allie Gallant, a climate scientist from Monash University.
“Last year was Australia’s hottest year on record, with an annual average temperature 1.52C above normal. It was also the driest year on record, with national rainfall 40% below normal. Much of the country was affected by drought. The drought worsened dangerous fire conditions, contributing to the devastating bushfire season we’re seeing now.” said Gallant as reported in the Moreland Leader (January 27, 2020).
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Climate change bushfire Solidarity Sit Down November 29 – #climatestrike
Keep Friday November 29th free to attend or support the Student Climate Strike ‘This is #climatechange Solidarity Sit Down action in Melbourne:
When: Friday, November 29, 2019 at 2:30 PM – 4 PM
Expected weather: 10–19°C Rain Showers
Where: Parliament of Victoria, Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Facebook event
Winter to vanish in Moreland by 2050 due to global warming
Pascoe Vale projected average temperatures for 2050
Australian Conservation Foundation have released a report on the electorates most at risk of climate change impacts in the lead up to the #climateelection. National Party electorates predominate and are most at risk of climate damages.
But here in Moreland the impacts of rising temperature and reduced rainfall will also be felt.
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Climate signal worsens for January extreme heat while heatwave ends Summer
The climate signal in Australia’s January heat has increased from around 15-fold in 2013 to 50-fold in 2019, according to preliminary analysis of summer temperature extremes.
Sophie Lewis is a climate researcher who was involved in an important climate attribution study that determined the angry summer of 2013 was influenced by climate change. Her preliminary research for January temperatures in 2019 shows a much larger climate signal.
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Heatwave building over Christmas for Central and South-Eastern Australia
Heatwave forecast for 27-29 December 2018
The Bureau of Meteorology shows a heatwave building through the week over Christmas. The forecast is for severe and extreme heatwave impacts particularly Thursday 27 December to Saturday 29 December.
Melbourne might miss some of the impact of this with perhaps a day or two over 35 degrees + temperatures being south of the divide with some respite with cool nights from the warm days.
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Promoting heat respite at Council offices and Chasing up Moreland’s Heatwave response from October 2014
Melbourne Hot days over 35C long term trend
Extreme heat days in Victoria are a rising trend. We need to cut emissions to affect this trend in the long term. But for the short and medium term we need to put in place adequate strategies to build community resilience and climate adaptation to heatwaves and rising temperatures.
Climate Action Moreland Convenor John Englart met with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor following up Moreland’s heatwave response and a past Council decision from October 2014, to ensure Council policies and decisions are being adhered to.
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Feeling the heat of climatechange? Extreme temperatures are raising our ire
Last night the temperature in Melbourne (Olympic Park) didn’t go below 27.8 degrees Celsius with the humidity hovering between 40-50 percent. It came after a maximum temperature of 37.7C. Of course temperatures in the northern and western suburbs were up to 1-2 degrees higher.
Sunday also saw a record power usage, as people used their air conditioners to cool down. Although grid demand was at a record high for a Sunday of about 9,440MW, rooftop solar was contributing about 330MW.
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Study: 50 degree extreme heat days possible in Melbourne
Climate Emergency
Yes, heatwaves and extreme heat events are going to get worse for many years, even if we do everything possible to reduce emissions. Week long heatwaves, and extreme heat events with temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius may be seen in a decade or so in Sydney and Melbourne.
That is the inertia in the climate system. In the meantime we need to rapidly increase renewables while making energy savings through energy efficiency, and cutting emissions particularly from the electricity generation sector.
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A peek at Moreland’s draft Urban Forests strategy
Moderating the urban heat island effect with summer temperatures and extreme heat effects increasing has become a priority. One of the best ways to moderate urban heat is through increasing the urban forest canopy. Unfortunately while public tree planting has increased, urban consolidation and development has resulted in a decline on private property.
Last Council meeting considered a draft Urban Forest Policy. The community consultation for Moreland’s Draft Urban Forest Strategy will run from May 1 to May 29. See Moreland Council Meetings page for Agenda for 8 March 2017 (from pg 98) for version presented to council or download it here (PDF 48MB) (This may not be final version)
We will put more details on our website and FB page when available. See a recent report on combatting the urban heat island effect here.
One of the issues that needs to be tackled is public education on trees on private property. A register of important trees is also needed. How the policy integrates with draft Urban Food policy regarding orchard trees is also an issue.
Summary (provided by MCC):
The draft Urban Forest Strategy 2017-2027, will guide the future management of Moreland’s urban forest, aiming to create a municipality where healthy trees and vegetation are a core part of the urban environment. The Strategy aims to deliver practical measures that guide the planning and protection of vegetation across Moreland. The term “urban forest” includes vegetation in both public and private spaces, such as home gardens, nature strips, street trees, balcony plants, rooftop gardens and green walls. It also includes public parks with trees, shrubs, grasslands and wetlands. In summary, the City of Moreland’s:
* Overall vegetation canopy from the urban forest is 14%;
* Public land contributes 5% of total municipal urban forest cover; and
* Private tree canopy has declined by 24% since 2005.
The Strategy aims for a 50% increase of canopy coverage within the public realm by 2030, through the strategic planting of larger canopy trees within streetscapes, parks and natural resource management areas.
