Climate Risk Profile: Civic, ACT
Civic, the central business district of Canberra, faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are increasing heatwaves and potential flooding from intense rainfall. Bushfire risk is relatively low due to its urban setting.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Civic experiences a high heat risk due to the urban heat island effect. Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, leading to elevated temperatures.
Primary Drivers
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Lack of green spaces
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
flood Risk
Civic faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events exceeding drainage capacity. Development density increases runoff.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Aging infrastructure
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
4.5
2050
5.0
coastal Risk
Civic has a negligible coastal risk due to its inland location.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
1.0
2050
1.0
bushfire Risk
Civic has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban location. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Ember attack potential
- ·Fuel load management
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
3.2
2050
3.5
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.
Price Impact
Properties in low-lying areas may experience some price impact due to flood risk.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Lake Burley Griffin
- Elevation Range
- 550-580m
- Flood Zone
- Potentially affected by localised flash flooding
Localized flooding can occur during heavy downpours, impacting low-lying areas and underground infrastructure.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- 5km to Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve
- Planning Overlay
- ACTmapi Bushfire Prone Areas
- Bushfire Prone Area
- No
While not a designated bushfire-prone area, ember attack is a consideration during severe fire weather.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 28.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 5 days
The urban heat island effect contributes to higher temperatures in Civic compared to surrounding suburbs.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 150 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Not applicable
- Erosion Risk
- Not applicable
Historical Climate Events
Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted Civic, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.
SourceThe 2003 Canberra bushfires caused significant smoke haze in Civic, impacting air quality.
SourceHeavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Civic, particularly affecting underground carparks.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 4.0 | 4.3(+0.3) | 4.6(+0.6) |
| bushfire | 3.0 | 3.1(+0.1) | 3.2(+0.2) |
| heat | 7.0 | 7.8(+0.8) | 8.5(+1.5) |
| coastal | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
By 2030, Civic is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity. Flood risk will also rise due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk remains relatively stable.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Increase urban greening
ImmediatePlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve stormwater management.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreUpgrade stormwater infrastructure
Near-termImprove drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreImplement heatwave early warning systems
ImmediateDevelop and implement a system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on staying safe.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote water-sensitive urban design
Long-termIncorporate water-sensitive design principles in new developments to reduce runoff and improve water quality.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreCommunity education programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures they can take at home.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Civic's Climate Risk Profile
Civic, located in the heart of Canberra, is the commercial and administrative hub of the Australian Capital Territory. As a highly urbanized area, Civic's climate risks are shaped by its built environment.
The most significant climate threat to Civic is the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. The urban heat island effect exacerbates these conditions, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Flooding is another concern for Civic, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The suburb's extensive paved surfaces and limited green spaces contribute to increased runoff, potentially overwhelming drainage systems. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, further elevating flood risk.
While bushfire risk is relatively low in Civic due to its urban nature, the suburb is not entirely immune. Ember attack from distant bushfires remains a potential threat, especially during dry and windy conditions. Maintaining adequate vegetation management practices is crucial to mitigating this risk.
Coastal risks are negligible in Civic due to its inland location. The suburb is not exposed to sea-level rise or coastal erosion.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACTmapi
Local Government Resources
City of Canberra
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Civic?
The main climate change risks for Civic are increasing heatwaves and potential flooding from intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk is relatively low due to its urban setting.
How is the council addressing climate change in Civic?
The City of Canberra is implementing various strategies to address climate change, including increasing urban greening, upgrading stormwater infrastructure, and promoting water-sensitive urban design.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Civic?
During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Civic?
You can find information about flood risks in Civic on the City of Canberra website, including flood maps and guidance on preparing for floods.
Are there any community programs to help residents adapt to climate change in Civic?
Yes, the City of Canberra offers various community programs to help residents adapt to climate change, including workshops on water conservation and energy efficiency.
How will climate change affect property values in Civic?
Properties in low-lying areas of Civic may experience some price impact due to increased flood risk. Energy-efficient homes may become more desirable.
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