CASE STUDY: ATMOSPHERE AND WEATHER

Question 1

Where is the case study?

Answer 1

Western Sydney Suburbs (Parramatta, Liverpool, Blacktown).

Question 2

What are the causes of the increased urban heat island effect in these areas?

Answer 2

• The Western Suburbs do not experience cooling from the sea breezes.
• The Western Suburbs are experiencing mass urban sprawl. Mass subdivisions are creating plenty of asphalt and concrete surfaces.
• On many occasions the urban sprawl and populating of the neighbourhoods were poorly planned, ignoring green spaces and parks.
• With soaring summer temperatures, many of the households use individual air conditioning units. The widespread use of the units creates large energy spikes which contribute to the high temperatures.
• The spread in areas of the suburbs has resulted in more individual car use, contributing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the local atmosphere.

Question 3

What is occurring?

Answer 3

• Western Sydney peak temperatures have increased twice as much as temperatures in the CBD with a 0.65ºC increase compared to a 0.28ºC increase over the last decade.
• Lack of vegetation contributes to the high temperatures as

Question 4

What are the solutions?

Answer 4

• The planting of more trees and vegetation to absorb more CO2 as well as shielding heat-absorbing surfaces.
• Buildings are constructed or renovated with much more light-coloured building materials in order to reflect the heat.
• More spaces are being designed with airflow in mind.

Question 5

What will be the results of these solutions?

Answer 5

• Decreased energy costs.
• Improved air quality.
• A decline in health risks.