URBAN FUTURES
National
Heat Vulnerability Observatory
Developing a nationally integrated and consistent approach to assessing heat vulnerability in Australian cities
Research Project
In Australia , the increasing frequency , severity , and duration of extreme heat events continue to have considerable social , environmental and economic consequences , especially for those who are most vulnerable . Heat vulnerability is , therefore , becoming a key priority for all levels of the Australian government . However , standardised approaches for heat vulnerability data collection , analysis , and evaluation across Australia are missing .
The National Heat Vulnerability Observatory ( NaHVO ) establishes an integrated and consistent approach to assessing heat vulnerability in Australian cities . The NaHVO expands the typical scope of data to provide a more comprehensive and dynamic heat vulnerability index , which can be linked to specific heat mitigation and adaptation strategies and connected with other government datasets and platforms .
The NaHVO has completed a pilot phase using Maitland and Dubbo in NSW . The project is now developing a scaleup plan to include more cities in Australia and is seeking collaboration and investment to support this .
Key capabilities
> Consistent method for heat vulnerability assessment
> Multidisciplinary heat vulnerability benchmark datasets
> Data interoperability with other government datasets and platforms
Differentiators
> Integrates heat mitigation and adaptation strategies
> Enables a dynamic assessment of heat vulnerability over time
> Developing a scale-up plan to integrate more Australian cities
Key customers
> Australian governments : heat mitigation strategies , policies , and investments
> Built environment industry : identifying and evaluating heat mitigation interventions
> Local community : informing decisions about where to live and adaptation strategies
Key partnerships
> NSW Department of Climate Change , Energy , the Environment and Water > Dubbo Regional Council > Maitland City Council Sustainable development goals
> Sustainable cities and communities
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