Heatwaves are changing the way Australians live and spend their money, study
16 hours ago
- #consumer-spending
- #heatwaves
- #climate-resilience
- Australians are changing their spending habits during heatwaves, with a $5.4 million daily daytime spending collapse recorded on days with temperatures of 35C or higher.
- Spending rebounds early in the morning or in the evening, with a 5% surge between 6pm and 11pm during heatwaves.
- The study analyzed 200 million bank transactions from Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, showing shifts in spending patterns.
- Spending declines were most significant between midday and 6pm, with rebounds occurring later in the evening.
- Australians adapt by shopping late at night or the morning after a heatwave, but find it hard to prepare in advance.
- Spending on bars and clubs increased by 10% between midday and 3pm on heatwave days, with alcohol purchases spiking by 50% between 6am and midday.
- Dining and specialized food retailing saw significant drops in the afternoon but rebounded by evening.
- Entertainment options like cinemas experienced declines in the afternoon but rebounds late at night.
- Cities with longer retail hours and functional night-time economies show greater climate resilience.
- Extreme heat is reshaping urban behavior, raising questions about city infrastructure readiness.