Why Heat Matters in Cities 

Why Cities Become Hotter 

Cities can become hotter because built environments absorb and trap heat.

This is often called the:

Urban Heat Island Effect

Surfaces such as:

• Roads

• Car parks

• Concrete

• Rooftops

can absorb and hold heat throughout the day.

Communities with fewer trees and less green space often become much hotter than greener areas.

Shade and vegetation help cool cities naturally.

How Heat Affects Everyday Life 

Extreme heat can affect:

• Outdoor sports and recreation

• Walking and cycling

• Public transport experiences

• Time spent outside

• Community events

• Social connection

• Concentration and learning

• Mental and physical wellbeing

Very hot environments can make:

• Parks less usable

• Streets less walkable

• Outdoor spaces uncomfortable

• Community participation more difficult

Heat changes how people experience everyday life.

Why Heat Matters for Young People 

Young people often spend significant time:

• Outdoors

• At school

• Using public transport

• Playing sport

• Visiting parks and public spaces

Heat can affect:

• Physical activity

• Social connection

• Mental wellbeing

• Access to outdoor recreation

• Everyday comfort

Communities with more:

• Shade

• Trees

• Parks

• Cooling spaces

• Walkable environments

can often feel healthier and more comfortable during hot weather

Trees, Shade and Green Space 

Trees and green space help cool communities naturally.

They can:

• Reduce temperatures

• Improve comfort

• Provide shade

• Support biodiversity

• Improve wellbeing

• Make public spaces more enjoyable

Green space also supports:

• Community connection

• Outdoor activity

• Walkability

• Healthier neighbourhoods

Small changes to streets and public space can make communities feel significantly cooler and more liveable.

Why This Matters for Greater Western Sydney

Greater Western Sydney experiences some of the hottest urban temperatures in metropolitan Sydney.

Many communities across the region experience:

• Hot summers

• Limited shade

• Long travel times

• Growing urban development

• Increasing pressure on public space and infrastructure

As communities continue growing, climate and heat resilience will become increasingly important.

Young people will experience the impacts of these changes for many years to come.

Heat and the Fair Share Framework 

The Fair Share Framework recognises that healthier communities require:

• Fair Health

• Fair Access

• Fair Opportunity

Everyone should have access to:

• Safe and comfortable public space

• Shade and greenery

• Healthy environments

• Climate-resilient communities

Communities should remain healthy, connected and liveable as temperatures rise.

Related Framework Pillars

Further Learning & Related Frameworks

Sweltering Cities

An organisation focused on urban heat, climate resilience and the lived experience of extreme heat in Australian communities, with strong advocacy around cooler, healthier and more equitable cities.

WSROC – Turn Down the Heat

Research and strategies focused on reducing urban heat across Western Sydney.

Healthy Streets Approach

A framework supporting healthier, greener and more walkable streets and public spaces.

Related Resources  

• Understanding Heat Resilience

• Why Green Space Matters

• What Makes a Healthy Community?

• Why Transport Matters

• Why Young People Should Care About Planning

• Climate, Communities and the Future