Far reaching impact of El Niño heat explored at Alice Springs summit

In Alice Springs this week, researchers, community members and government agencies convened for the inaugural Central Australian Heat Resilience Summit to address the anticipated sweltering summer brought about by an El Niño weather event. The summit aims to develop a strategy to tackle the expected hotter future in the region, as heat disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as those experiencing homelessness and overcrowding.

Experts highlighted that extreme heat has a ripple effect across various aspects of life in Central Australia, including health, housing, homelessness, the environment and even crime. Jon Swain, a climate and homelessness researcher, emphasized that Australia's efforts in this area are still in their infancy, and local government plays a crucial role in bringing partners together to address the issue.

Swain is collaborating with Northern Territory's peak homelessness body, NT Shelter, and Anglicare to shape responses in Central Australia, where homelessness rates are above the national average.

The Bureau of Meteorology's long-range forecast indicates that most of Australia will likely experience above-average temperatures over the coming months, with early indications suggesting unusually high temperatures in Alice Springs for early summer. The summit's steering committee, formed recently, aims to implement a locally-led, evidence-based, multi-agency approach to heatwave management, heat resilience planning, and long-term climate adaptation in Central Australia.

Mayor Asta Hill acknowledged the need for a supercharged El Niño and stressed the importance of the summit in tackling the issue, which is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.