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Extreme heat the most deadly yet preventable natural disaster, NSW Net Zero Commission says

Minimum thermal safety standards in rentals, published data on heat-related deaths and bushfire-style plans for extreme heat are needed to address what a new New South Wales state agency says is Australia's most deadly yet most preventable natural disaster.

Published on the 01 May 2026
The sun rising
Extreme heat is Australia's worst natural disaster. (Supplied: Stephen Churcher)

Extreme heat caused more deaths in Australia between 2000-2018 than all other natural hazards combined, according to the NSW government's Net Zero Commission. 

The agency set up two years ago is calling for reforms to the state's planning laws and emergency responses in a new report to the Minister for Climate Change Energy and Environment Penny Sharpe. 

Extreme heat is not being taken seriously enough, one of the commissioners, Professor Andy Pitman, told 702 ABC Sydney.
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