100 Climate Conversation Sebastian Pfautsch:Urban adaptation 2022

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On 4 January 2020, the temperature in Penrith hit 48.9°C - the highest ever recorded in Greater Sydney. In the next decade, dangerous days above 40°C are expected to become more frequent across the country.

Urban heat expert Professor Sebastian Pfautsch is working to adapt Western Sydney to the coming challenges and to create cooler streets and public spaces through clever design and revegetation.

See Pfautsch in conversation with Craig Reucassel, recorded live at the Powerhouse as part of 100 Climate Conversations. Entry is free, but bookings are essential as places are limited. Doors open at 2.45pm for a 3pm start. No late admittance.

100 Climate Conversations is a two-year survey of visionary Australians who are accelerating the net-zero carbon revolution. To find out more and subscribe to the podcast visit 100climateconversations.com.

Dr Sebastian Pfautsch studies urban heat and microclimates in Sydney, which is experiencing higher temperatures and more frequent and longer-lasting heat waves that are predicted to become even more severe. Pfautsch is interested in how to use trees and other natural and man-made urban design elements effectively for shading and cooling our cities. He leads several projects focused on reducing urban heat across Sydney's parks, schools, playgrounds public spaces and neighbourhoods. Pfautsch is an associate professor in Urban Studies at Western Sydney University and has received numerous awards for his research.

Craig Reucassel is a writer, broadcaster and comedian who is best known for his work with The Chaser and on ABC TV sustainability and climate series War on Waste, Big Weather (and how to survive it) and Fight for Planet A. His work in sustainability inspires positive action on climate change by offering practical day-to-day changes to reduce waste and carbon emissions, while also calling for greater action from government and business. Alongside a group of friends, Reucassel founded The Chaser newspaper, which led to several ABC TV programs including The Election Chaser, CNNNN and The Chaser's War on Everything.