Researchers have identified poor urban design as a key factor in creating heat islands in Brisbane, Australia, where temperatures can reach dangerous levels. Women, who often bear the brunt of these challenges, are leading efforts to address the issue. The Sweltering Cities panel – featuring women leaders such as Emma Bacon, the organization’s director – noted that heat waves, Australia’s deadliest natural disaster, disproportionately impact women in lower-income areas due to poor air quality, dense concrete structures, and lack of vegetation. Anna Campbell of Queensland Walks highlighted the lack of shaded walkways and water features in Brisbane, exacerbating difficulties for women who rely on walking as their primary transportation. She stressed the need for smarter urban planning that prioritizes women and vulnerable groups. Shannon Rutherford of Griffith University raised concerns about the severe impact of extreme heat on women’s health, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds who lack access to cooling centers, leading to higher health risks during heatwaves. She emphasized that climate change disproportionately affects women, especially those with limited resources, and called for gender-sensitive urban planning as a critical component of climate adaptation and future infrastructure development.
