Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au

Aaron Bunch
Sweltering temps forcing people from homes

A survey of 2000 Australians has found many feel unwell on hot summer days and almost a third leave their homes to escape the heat.

April 26, 2022

Most Australians feel unwell on hot summer days and almost a third flee their homes to escape sweltering heat, a survey has found.

Global warming is taking a significant toll on the community’s physical and mental health, the Sweltering Cities and Healthy Homes for Renters study says.

“Our homes should provide sanctuary. Instead, when the mercury rises, they are becoming ovens,” Joel Dignam, Healthy Homes for Renters spokesman, said on Tuesday.

The survey of 2147 residents in 695 postcodes found 66.8 per cent of respondents reported feeling unwell on hot days or during heatwaves, with 12.5 per cent having to seek medical help.

People who rent are three times more likely to leave their dwellings in a bid to find a cooler location than home owners on hot days, although 30.6 per cent of all respondents say they’re forced to leave when temperatures climb.

More than half of people surveyed believe their suburb’s design increases heat and over 60 per cent said high electricity costs stop them from turning their air-conditioning on.

“Rising temperatures are a public health emergency,” Emma Bacon, Sweltering Cities executive director, said.

“Communities across the country know that the heat is getting worse and staying cool is getting more expensive.”

Over 80 per cent had trouble sleeping on hot days and 115 respondents reported depression or anxiety related to sleeplessness, feeling unsafe at home or social isolation during heatwaves.

“There are simple solutions that can cool our homes and suburbs; now we need governments to take this issue seriously,” Ms Bacon said.

COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation, with more than half of respondents saying they now feel less comfortable inside the public spaces many previously used to escape from heat.

Across the country, 32.8 per cent of renters have requested upgrades to their homes but less than 15 per cent report improvements to maintain safe temperatures.

Asked what upgrades renters would like to have in their homes, 45 per cent said insulation. Others suggested air- conditioning, more trees, better blinds and awnings.

“Renters are particularly vulnerable due to lower-quality dwellings,” Mr Dignam said.

“State governments need to introduce minimum standards for rentals, requiring basic measures like ceiling insulation, to help keep rental homes safe and healthy through extreme weather events.”

There was strong support for policies to address heat risks, including improved standards for new homes to make them more energy efficient and safe in the heat.

Respondents also called for more trees to make suburbs cooler, along with lighter coloured roofing, streets and buildings to reflect heat.

About three million Australian households or 7.4 million people rent their homes, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Another 2.9 million households or 11 million people own their homes with a mortgage and 2.6 million households are owned outright by about 5.7 million people.

The average household size is 2.5 people.

The survey was conducted between December last year and March.

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