COTA SA's Climate Change Group is passionate about the actions that individuals can take, big or small, that help to care for the planet and help us to prepare for a potentially changing climate. One of these actions is sharing stories and finding reliable sources of information that are balanced and easy to understand. Our Climate Change Group members will share stories and information that they find useful with the hope that you will find it useful too! Today, prepare for a hot summer ahead by asking your local council to set up a Cool Space this summer.

The recent summer in Europe has been one of the hottest ever. Multiple heatwaves. Even Hyde Park in London turned brown! We may get a much hotter summer too, if that weather pattern continues here. What can we do when the heatwaves start and air-conditioning stops working effectively or is simply too costly to run?

Several Councils in South Australia (Unley, Charles Sturt, West Torrens, Port Adelaide Enfield and Campbelltown) have already trialled Cool Spaces in their libraries and community centres, to provide day-time relief in heatwaves. Council  buses have been used to provide transport to/from the Cool Spaces. 

The trials have been very successful and now a number of other councils have also planned to conduct a trial.

Now is an excellent time to advocate to your Council for Cool Spaces to be set up and to operate for extended hours. And to advocate for Cool Spaces (in summer) and Warm Spaces (in winter) to be included in your Council’s Public Health Plan.

If you need information on your local council and how to contact them, you can click here to view lists and to search using your address.

Contact us: If you would like further information or help to get started on approaching your Council, please contact the COTA SA Climate Change Group via the COTA SA reception desk on 08 82320422.