Not just fire: Hobart’s call to prepare for a changing climate

Published on 22 October 2025

As bushfire season approaches, an international climate expert and the City of Hobart are urging residents to prepare—not just for fire, but for the broader impacts of a changing climate.

Earlier this month, Hobart experienced wild winds that toppled trees, flooded roads, and cut power across suburbs. These events are a stark reminder that climate change is already affecting our city, and the risks extend well beyond bushfires.

Simple preparedness measures, such as keeping a household survival kit, can make a big difference during emergencies.

To support community readiness, the City of Hobart is hosting the Climate Ready Hobart Forum, a key deliverable under our 2040 Climate Ready Hobart Strategy.  A key feature of the forum will be keynote speaker Professor David Karoly (pictured), a globally respected climate scientist and Climate Councillor. The forum will bring together experts, youth, community leaders and businesses to explore how Hobart can respond to climate risks and embrace opportunities in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The City of Hobart has already reduced its organisational emissions by 13% in five years, building on previous reductions of 75% since 2000. Key initiatives underway include:

• Electrifying the Council’s light vehicle fleet
• Upgrading active transport infrastructure, including Collins Street  
• Supporting housing density in Central Hobart to reduce urban sprawl
• Increasing urban canopy cover to cool the city and improve wellbeing
• Diverting organic waste from landfill to cut methane emissions
• Empowering youth through the Youth Climate Action Fund, with over $230,000 allocated to 29 youth-led teams, fully funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

“Hobart is no stranger to extreme weather, but the frequency and intensity of these events are increasing.

“We need to be ready—not just for fire, but for storms, floods, and heatwaves. Being ready for even more extreme weather will need to be part of life in Hobart from now on.

“One year ago, we launched the Climate Ready Hobart Strategy—a bold, evidence-based roadmap to a zero emissions and climate resilient future.

“These actions are helping Hobart become more climate-resilient—but we know there’s more to do.

“Whether it’s planting trees, choosing active transport, or supporting local climate initiatives—every action counts.”

Quotes to be attributed to Climate Councillor Professor David Karoly:

“The Climate Ready Hobart Strategy: provides an excellent plan for the Hobart community to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and build its climate resilience by working together.

“Climate change is already affecting Hobart and Tasmania through more frequent and intense severe weather events; heat waves, extreme rainfall, bushfires, and coastal erosion from storm surges and sea level rise.

“These climate change impacts will continue to get worse over the next 50 years or more, as shown in the recent National Climate Risk Assessment.”