COTA SA's Climate Change Group is passionate about the actions that individuals can take, big or small, that helps to care for the planet. 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, helping the environment and avoiding the high cost of electricity by finding out where you can go when it's too hot (or too cold) in your home.
Climate change has definitely arrived in Australia: the extreme rains in Queensland and Northern New South Wales in the first half of 2025 are a key indicator. And South Australia has experienced a much drier start to 2025 than any year since records began. This summer is likely to have periods of extreme hot weather.
Extreme weather is known for a consequential increase in admissions to hospital from older people – particularly those over 75.This can be a particular issue for individuals unable to afford the additional electricity needed to fund cooling in summer (or warming in winter).
Campbelltown Council, in early 2024, trialled a Cool Space for community members to seek refuge in the day-time through extreme hot spells. It utilised existing community facilities owned by Campbelltown Council including the Community Bus for transport of older people to the Cool Space. It was very effective.
Unley Council has decided to operate its own trial of a Cool Space this coming summer. If successful, it will consider a Warm Space (or Refuge) in 2026. Some other Councils are also considering similar initiatives.
Local Government is the best placed to provide such Spaces – both Cool and Warm - as they have existing facilities (Buildings and buses) and know their local communities well. In addition, this is a practical way of helping the community address climate change and the high cost of electricity.
The COTA SA Climate Change Group has identified the issue of coping with extreme hot and cold weather as a significant issue for older people.
If you want to chat about this topic, please contact our Climate Change Group via the COTA SA reception desk on 08 82320422.