• Buildings in the US and Europe are installing green roofs, which help decrease stormwater run-off, save energy, reduce pollution, cool urban heat islands, and absorb carbon dioxide.
  • Lack of coordination and resources at all levels of government in Australia have led to a failure in addressing the heat-related risks faced by its residents.
  • Heatwaves are not just a few hot days, but a serious threat to public health, as seen in Europe where thousands of people died during last year’s summer heatwaves.
  • The Greater Sydney Heat Taskforce has been formed to build better resilience to heat and comprises various councils, health districts, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the Australian Medical Association.
  • Experts suggest the need for a holistic approach and the creation of an agency to oversee heat and its impacts, similar to agencies for other natural disasters.