Media Release

September 17 2009

Aussie hotspots more vulnerable to climate change

Australian cities are vulnerable to climate change Coastal locations, warm weather and cloudless skies make Aussie cities among the most admired in the world. But a UniSA Professor says that it’s exactly these qualities that make them more vulnerable to climate change.

Associate Professor Jon Kellett, from the School of Natural and Built Environments, will discuss the impact of climate change on Australian cities and outline potential solutions to further deterioration at a free public lecture at UniSA’s City East Campus this coming Wednesday (23rd September).

Prof Kellett says that a number of factors lead to an increased risk of our cities being affected by climate change.

“Australian cities are mostly built along the coastline, have very low densities, high car dependency, water supply problems, bush fire vulnerability and often inappropriate housing design,” he says.

“Because of the nature of our cities, changing rainfall patterns, coastal changes and lengthy periods of high temperatures will affect our quality of life.”

But the news isn’t all bad. In his lecture, Prof Kellett will contend that carbon neutral cities could be an Australian reality. Adelaide, in particular, is especially equipped to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

“Adelaide has an abundance of renewable energy resources, like wind, solar and geothermal energy that can all work towards reducing climate change,” he says.

What is certain, says Prof Kellett, is that Australians need to take action.

“We need to adapt to changes and reduce the rate of climate change,” he says.

“If we act now, we can help protect our idyllic way of life. I hope to get people thinking about what we can do, starting now.”

The lecture is the eighth in the UniSA Gift of Knowledge lecture series, part of UniSA’s drive to give the community access to key local and global issues.

Event information:
Climate proofing Australian cities
Eighth Gift of Knowledge lecture for 2009
Wednesday September 23rd, 6pm start
Mutual Community Theatre, Basil Hetzel Building, UniSA City East Campus.
Register online