A recent Australian Climate Service report reveals that the continent has already warmed by 1.5°C, and under a 3°C scenario, Sydney could see a 444% increase in heat-related deaths, especially in areas like Blacktown and the outer west, which are most exposed to extreme heat.

Heatwaves are currently responsible for more deaths in Australia than all other natural disasters combined, with Sydney experiencing between 80 and 117 heat-related fatalities annually, predominantly affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those without air conditioning.

The western suburbs of Sydney, including Penrith, have faced increasingly severe heatwaves, with temperatures reaching as high as 48.9°C in 2020, marking it as the hottest place on the planet that day and illustrating the intensifying impact of climate change.

Sydney faces additional climate threats from rising sea levels, storm surges, and extreme weather, with inner-city suburbs like Darlinghurst, Haymarket, and Kogarah being particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to the coast and elevation levels.

Sea level rise projections under a 3°C warming scenario suggest an increase of 54cm, with some experts estimating it could be as high as 111cm, which could lead to flooding and saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies.

The report highlights that western Sydney is significantly warmer than coastal areas, often by 5°C, due to fewer sea breezes and less tree cover, which worsens the heat impacts in these regions.

In response to these threats, the City of Sydney and surrounding councils are working on climate resilience strategies such as floodplain management and planning, but emphasize that tackling sea level rise and climate adaptation requires coordinated efforts from state and federal governments.

Blacktown and other parts of Western Sydney are identified as frontline areas for extreme heat, emphasizing the need for urban greening, shaded public spaces, and improved housing standards to reduce health risks.