041 | 100 Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick: Investigating heatwaves

Climate scientist Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick is an expert in extreme events, specialising in heatwaves. As the intensity and frequency of heatwaves increases, Perkins-Kirkpatrick leads research to understand the drivers of this phenomenon and the implications on our health, industries and infrastructure.

See Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick in conversation with Patrick Abboud, recorded live at Powerhouse as part of 100 Climate Conversations. Entry is free, but bookings are essential as places are limited. Doors open at 2.45pm for a 3pm start. No late admittance.

100 Climate Conversations is a two-year survey of visionary Australians who are accelerating the net zero carbon revolution. To find out more and subscribe to the podcast visit 100climateconversations.com.

Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick is a climate scientist at the University of NSW Climate Change Research Centre who models future heatwave trends in Australia and globally. A ‘heatwave’ is three or more consecutive days of uninterrupted abnormally high temperatures. Perkins-Kirkpatrick’s research shows that while Australia experienced on average one to two heatwaves per year in the 1950s, the average is now two to four. This trend is forecast to reach an average of eight to 10 heatwaves per annum by the end of this century. Perkins-Kirkpatrick has received numerous fellowships and awards and is also a leader in the emerging field of marine heatwaves.

Patrick Abboud is a Walkley nominated journalist, TV presenter, broadcaster, and award-winning documentary maker. His popular digital first interview series #PatChat featuring pop stars, politicians and everyday people with extraordinary stories has clocked up more than 30 million views. He is the founder of irreverent news, current affairs, satire and long form documentary program The Feed on SBS TV. His work has taken him to 53 countries. In 2020, Cosmopolitan magazine named him one of Australia’s 50 most influential LGBTQI+ voices.