Just under 1,000 students from nine Western Sydney public schools are taking part in a first-of-its-kind programme examining and responding to the challenges of extreme urban heat in Greater Sydney.
The 50°C: Climate, Heat and Resilience project involves year nine and 10 students and is being delivered by Powerhouse through the Lang Walker Family Academy, with support from the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer.
Over 10 weeks, students will deepen their interest and understanding of rising heat through hands-on lessons that incorporate geography, science, visual art, English and design and technology subjects.
Utilising temperature data loggers and thermal cameras, students will investigate and interpret heat data in their schools while learning about the latest climate and heat tracking technology.
Students will also examine the impacts of extreme heat on health and learn about climate-conscious urban design, allowing them to research and design heat adaptation and mitigation solutions that can be implemented locally in their communities and schools.
City of Parramatta, Blacktown City Council and Cumberland City Council are supporting the programme by providing access to local heat data and conducting student tours within their LGAs to learn about existing council heat reduction programmes.
Students will also be linked to leading academics from Western Sydney University, University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney who will present expert knowledge and research, while industry, advocacy and creative groups will demonstrate how they’re establishing climate resilient communities through their work.
Industry, advocacy and creative collaborators include CSIRO, WSROC, Sweltering Cities, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Sydney Water, Greening Australia, Story Factory, Melbourne Megagames, Always Collective and award-winning author James Bradley.
Participating NSW public schools include James Ruse Agricultural High School, Macarthur Girls High School, Cumberland High School, Arthur Phillip High School, The Ponds High School, Doonside Technology High School, Seven Hills High School, Granville Boys High School, and Holroyd High Schools.
Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah said extreme heat is one of the biggest challenges facing the region.
“It is our shared responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation to understand this issue and help develop impactful solutions in their local communities,” she said.
Sweltering Cities executive director Emma Bacon said rising temperatures mean longer, hotter and more deadly summers.
“Decisions we make now about our homes, cities, workplaces and jobs will make a big difference in how safe we are in the record heat of the future. I'm excited to see where the students’ ideas can lead us,” Bacon said.
At the conclusion of the programme, students will share their projects with key decision-makers across government, academia, education and industry at a student led 50°C Climate Summit, hosted at Western Sydney University on 11 April 2025.