Climate Risk in Earlwood, New South Wales
Earlwood faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Cooks River increases its flood risk, while rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate heatwave conditions. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.
Is Earlwood Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Earlwood, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Overall Risk Score
Hazard Breakdown
Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Earlwood
Flood
Earlwood has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Cooks River and other waterways. Properties close to these waterways are more vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Earlwood has a low risk of bushfire. While some areas are near bushland, the risk is mitigated by urban development and fire management practices.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Earlwood experiences a high number of heatwave days each year, and this is projected to increase due to climate change. Vulnerable populations are at risk during these events.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Earlwood has a very low risk of coastal hazards. It is located inland and is not directly exposed to sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Earlwood
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Earlwood experiences a high number of heatwave days each year, and this is projected to increase due to climate change. Vulnerable populations are at risk during these events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced vegetation cover
flood Risk
Earlwood has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Cooks River and other waterways. Properties close to these waterways are more vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Sea level rise
coastal Risk
Earlwood has a very low risk of coastal hazards. It is located inland and is not directly exposed to sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
Earlwood has a low risk of bushfire. While some areas are near bushland, the risk is mitigated by urban development and fire management practices.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in flood-prone areas.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price fluctuations.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider potential impacts of climate change on insurance premiums.
- 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.
How the region's climate is projected to change
Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.
Temperature
+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030
Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.
Rainfall
Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030
The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.
Fire weather
Harsher, magnitude uncertain
High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.
Sea level
+0.12 m by 2030
At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.
Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →
Adaptation Recommendations
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Urban Cooling Strategies
ImmediateIncrease tree canopy cover, promote green roofs and walls, and use cool pavements to reduce the urban heat island effect.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Community Awareness
Near-termDevelop and implement community education programs to raise awareness of climate risks and promote preparedness for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreStrengthen Emergency Response
ImmediateImprove emergency response plans and coordination to ensure effective response to climate-related disasters.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce water demand during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Earlwood's Climate Risk Profile
Earlwood, a suburb in Sydney's inner west, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The most significant threats are flooding and heatwaves, with potential implications for property, infrastructure, and public health.
The suburb's location near the Cooks River makes it susceptible to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall events, further elevating the flood risk. This could lead to property damage, disruptions to transportation, and potential health hazards.
Heatwaves are another growing concern for Earlwood. As global temperatures rise, the suburb is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, can further amplify the impact of heatwaves.
While Earlwood is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, climate change impacts such as sea level rise and storm surges could indirectly affect the suburb through disruptions to regional infrastructure and supply chains. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.
Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in flood mitigation infrastructure, urban greening initiatives to reduce the urban heat island effect, and community awareness programs to prepare residents for extreme weather events.
Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.
Local Government Resources
Canterbury-Bankstown Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Earlwood?
The main climate change risks for Earlwood are flooding, heatwaves, and to a lesser extent, bushfires. The suburb's proximity to the Cooks River increases its flood risk, while rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate heatwave conditions.
How will climate change affect property values in Earlwood?
Properties in high-risk areas, such as those prone to flooding, may experience price fluctuations. It is important to consider potential impacts of climate change on insurance premiums and property values when buying or selling property in Earlwood.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Earlwood?
Canterbury-Bankstown Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks posed by climate change. These plans include measures to mitigate flood risk, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance community awareness.
How can residents prepare for heatwaves in Earlwood?
Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
What should I do if my property is affected by flooding in Earlwood?
If your property is affected by flooding, you should contact the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) for assistance. You should also check your insurance policy and take steps to protect your property from further damage.
Where can I find more information about flood risks in Earlwood?
You can find more information about flood risks in Earlwood on the Canterbury-Bankstown Council website, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website, and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections