Damon Mcknight
Australia is divided into three primary climate zones, with the northern edge resembling a tropical climate, the large central stretch a hot and dry sub-tropical desert, and the eastern and southern edges, where most people live, enjoying a pleasant, temperate climate. Australia's largest state, Western Australia, has some of the country's most diverse climates due to its size. It varies from a tropical climate in the north to a more temperate climate in the south. The eastern part of Australia is more vulnerable to bushfires due to its coastal influence and warm sub-tropical temperatures. The wetter climate in the east is better for vegetation growth, while the warmer weather is ideal for bushfires.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Western Australia has a tropical climate in the north and a temperate climate in the south. |
| Rainfall | Western Sydney receives about 700mm of rain annually, while the eastern suburbs get up to 1,200mm to 1,300mm of rainfall each year. |
| Temperature | The eastern and southern edges of Australia have pleasant, temperate climates. The northern edge has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. |
| Population | Perth in Western Australia has a high proportion of British-born residents, accounting for 10.3% in 2011 compared to the national average of 5.1%. |
| Economy | Western Australia contributes approximately 58% of Australia's mineral and energy exports, with a gross state product per person of $97,940 in 2017-18, higher than any other state. |
| Size | Western Australia is the largest state in Australia, with a total land area of 2.5 million km2. |
| Vegetation | Brisbane has been ranked as one of Australia's leafiest cities, with 79% of Greater Brisbane having more than 20% tree cover. |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Sydney is hotter due to geography and a lack of cooling sea breezes
- Eastern Sydney gets more rainfall, keeping it greener
- Urban design impacts temperature, with concrete and asphalt retaining heat
- Western Australia is in a different climate zone to Eastern Australia
- Greenery in residential areas improves the health of the community
Western Sydney is hotter due to geography and a lack of cooling sea breezes
Australia's climate varies from tropical in the north to temperate in the south, with a hot and dry sub-tropical desert in the centre. The eastern and southern edges, where most people live, have pleasant, temperate climates. The climate of Sydney is humid subtropical, with mild and cool winters and warm to hot summers, with maritime influence.
Western Sydney, however, is typically 6°C to 10°C hotter than the eastern suburbs during extreme heat events. This is due to a combination of geographical factors and urban design. Western Sydney is located in a flood plain, with the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers forming the lowest point of a bowl. Heat from inland Australia gets trapped in this bowl, contributing to higher temperatures. Additionally, western Sydney does not benefit from the cooling sea breezes that reach the eastern suburbs. The urban heat island effect also plays a significant role, with urban centres being significantly warmer than rural areas due to the heat-absorbing properties of concrete and asphalt.
The difference in rainfall between western and eastern Sydney further exacerbates the temperature disparity. Eastern Sydney receives approximately 1,200mm to 1,300mm of rainfall annually, while western Sydney only gets about 700mm. This results in drier conditions in western Sydney, as there is less water available for trees to transpire, leading to increased heat.
To address the heat in western Sydney, various initiatives have been implemented. The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils launched Cool Suburbs, an evidence-backed tool that considers heat resilience in urban design. Councils have also created cooler recreational spaces, such as swimming spots and UV Smart Cool playgrounds. Tree-planting projects have been undertaken, and there is a focus on developing sustainable and heat-resistant neighbourhoods through rethinking building practices.
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Eastern Sydney gets more rainfall, keeping it greener
Sydney, Australia, has a humid subtropical climate, with mild and cool winters and warm to hot summers. The coastal city enjoys a maritime influence, which prevents extreme seasonal variations. Sydney's climate is unpredictable, with rain falling on 40% of days throughout the year, usually from January to June.
Eastern Sydney, including the Northern Suburbs, receives more rainfall than the western suburbs. The annual rainfall in the east can be as high as 1,200-1,400mm, while the west typically gets around 700-730mm of rain annually. This additional rainfall in the east contributes to the region's greenery. The extra moisture supports the transpiration of trees and other vegetation, enhancing the cooling effect of Eastern Sydney's green infrastructure.
The western suburbs of Sydney, such as Liverpool and Penrith, experience more extreme temperatures, with a higher frequency of days above 30°C and 35°C. The urban heat island effect intensifies the heat in these areas, as concrete and asphalt surfaces retain more heat than green spaces. Western Sydney also misses out on the cooling sea breezes that the eastern suburbs enjoy.
The varying rainfall patterns in Sydney highlight the microclimates within the city. The coastal influence and proximity to the ocean contribute to the higher rainfall and humidity in Eastern Sydney. This combination of factors results in a greener landscape in the eastern regions compared to the west.
To address the heat in Western Sydney, urban planners are implementing climate-responsive designs. These include creating shade with buildings, using reflective materials, incorporating green roofs, and orienting streets for better ventilation. By considering the unique climatic characteristics of Eastern and Western Sydney, the city can enhance its resilience to heatwaves and promote a more comfortable urban environment for its residents.
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Urban design impacts temperature, with concrete and asphalt retaining heat
Urban design plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of temperature extremes, and the choice of construction materials, such as concrete and asphalt, is crucial in this context. Concrete and asphalt are known for their ability to retain heat, which can significantly influence the surrounding area's temperature.
Concrete and asphalt are commonly used in urban areas due to their durability and strength. However, their heat-retaining properties can lead to the urban heat island effect, where cities experience significantly higher temperatures than nearby rural areas. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable during heatwaves, as these materials can absorb and reflect a substantial amount of the sun's energy, radiating it back into the atmosphere and increasing overall air temperature.
The impact of concrete and asphalt on temperature is evident in the example of Western Sydney, which experiences notably higher temperatures than the eastern suburbs. This temperature difference is influenced by various factors, including the abundance of green cover in the east, which leads to higher rainfall and cooler temperatures. Western Sydney, on the other hand, faces the additional challenge of hot and dry winds from the desert, and the urban heat island effect exacerbates the temperature difference.
To address the temperature disparities and overall heat in Western Sydney, climate-responsive urban design strategies are being implemented. These include the creation of shade using buildings, the use of lighter and more reflective materials, the incorporation of green roofs on high-rise buildings, and the orientation of streets and buildings to facilitate passive ventilation. Small green spaces, such as pocket parks and tiny forests, are also being utilized to provide cooling benefits, especially when strategically grouped near wide streets.
The urban heat island effect is not unique to Australia and is a global challenge faced by many cities. The good news is that urban planning and design can play a critical role in mitigating this effect. By selecting appropriate construction materials, incorporating green infrastructure, and considering the orientation and layout of buildings and streets, urban designers can create cooler and more sustainable cities.
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Western Australia is in a different climate zone to Eastern Australia
Australia is divided into three primary climate zones. The northern edge, which includes the northern part of Western Australia, has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The large central stretch is a hot and dry sub-tropical desert. The eastern and southern edges, where most people live, have pleasant, temperate climates.
Western Australia is host to some 150 species of mammals and several hundred species of birds and reptiles. The state also supports a wealth of flora, especially in the southwestern region, which is considered a particularly fertile "hot spot" of biodiversity. More than 10,000 species of vascular plants have been documented in the state, and some 15 are endemic to the area. The Kimberley region is sparsely wooded, primarily with eucalypts, and the distinctive, moisture-storing boab. Spinifex grass is ubiquitous throughout the portion of the state that lies north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
The southern coast of Western Australia experiences cold fronts and winds that come from Antarctica. The east coast, on the other hand, enjoys a pleasant climate. Sydney, for example, experiences warm but mild weather throughout the year, with temperatures in the high 20s. It still has a more focused rainfall period during summer and autumn. This combination of coastal influence and warm sub-tropical temperatures makes eastern Australia more vulnerable to bushfires.
Western Sydney, however, is much hotter than the eastern suburbs. This is partly due to the urban heat island effect, where urban centres are significantly warmer than rural areas. Western Sydney also does not receive the cooling sea breezes that reach the eastern suburbs.
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Greenery in residential areas improves the health of the community
Australia is a large country with a diverse climate. The northern edge has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, while the large central stretch is a hot and dry sub-tropical desert. The eastern and southern edges, where most people live, have pleasant, temperate climates. Western Australia, the country's largest state, has a diverse climate due to its size, ranging from tropical in the north to more temperate in the south.
Western Sydney, for example, has abundant green cover in the form of native bush and farmland. However, it receives less rainfall than the eastern suburbs, resulting in a drier climate. The eastern suburbs benefit from cooling sea breezes, while western Sydney experiences the urban heat island effect, with temperatures up to 10°C higher than the rest of the city.
The presence of greenery in residential areas has been linked to improved health outcomes for the community. Studies have found that living in greener neighbourhoods is associated with a lower risk of psychological distress and reduced sedentary behaviour among older adults. Greenery can also reduce stress and increase subjective well-being by providing a sense of meaning and purpose in life, improving manageability of life tasks, and decreasing mental distress.
In addition to mental health benefits, residential green spaces have been linked to improved physical health outcomes. These include reduced heart rate, blood pressure, and incidence of diabetes and stroke. Living in greener areas also appears to lower all-cause mortality among adults, possibly due to improved environmental conditions such as reduced air pollution, noise, and lower temperatures.
Access to parks and green spaces is particularly beneficial for people with lower incomes, who are also more likely to face health challenges. However, it is important to address historical inequities and ensure that greening initiatives do not lead to the displacement of low-income communities. Strategies such as preserving affordable housing, rent control, and incentivizing the development of affordable housing units can help prevent displacement.
Overall, incorporating greenery into residential areas can bring numerous health benefits to the community, including improved mental and physical well-being, enhanced social connections, and reduced health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
While Western Australia may have more green cover in the form of native bush and farmland, Eastern Australia gets more rainfall, which means that its green infrastructure has more water to transpire, making the region cooler.
Western Australia typically experiences higher temperatures due to its geographical location, lack of cooling sea breezes, and the urban heat island effect, where urban centres are significantly warmer than rural areas due to the presence of heat-retaining hard surfaces such as concrete and asphalt.
Research suggests that the more greenery a residential area has, the better it is for the physical and mental health of the local community. Removing tree canopy can lead to the creation of urban heat islands, making the area significantly hotter.
