HOW IS THE TEMPERATURE RISING IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES?
Temperature Anomalies by Country 1880-2017 based on NASA GISTEMP data.
HOW DO LOCAL PLANS FOR INCREASING THE NUMBER OF TREES COMPARE?
Shade cast by trees can make a substantial contribution to keeping a city cool. It is interesting to compare Port Phillip’s plans for more trees with cities like Sydney and neighbouring areas like Melbourne and Bayside.
PORT PHILLIP
In contrast the City of Port Phillip is capping it’s aspirations for a canopy cover at an increase of 1.9% over the next 10 years. This will do little for the many areas of the city which have a current canopy cover of 10% (though other areas are higher).
http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/default/ParksServicesDocuments/Street-Tree-Planting-Program-2017-22.pdf
SYDNEY
The NSW government is planning to increase the greater Sydney tree canopy cover from 18% to 40% by 2030 with 5 million trees being planted.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-21/western-sydney-heatwave-alleviated-by-tree-cover/11721698?pfmredir=sm&sf224149784=1
MELBOURNE
Melbourne City Council is proposing a 40% canopy cover by 2040.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/from-grey-to-green-melbourne-deals-with-its-urban-heat-issues-20191026-p534ho.html
BAYSIDE
Bayside has an extensive tree planting program details of which can be found at https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/our-tree-planting-program.
MY CLIMATE
The City of Port Phillip have published a page where you can calculate your home’s potential for solar, insulation and rainwater with a CSIRO application called My Climate.
See . . . https://www.sustainableportphillip.com/articles/2019/10/28/my-climate-tool
HOW TO CARE FOR PETS DURING SUMMER HEATWAVES
It’s so important to make sure you’re all prepared during hot weather to care for companion animals, livestock and even wildlife. Read the RSPCA’s tips to make sure your pets and other animals stay cool and calm during summer. https://www.rspcavic.org/health-and-behaviour/seasonal-health/summer/keeping-your-pet-cool-during-summer