The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and CSIRO’s biennial State of the Climate report shows that since reliable surface air temperature records began in 1880, last year was the warmest on record for the globe. With records showing that Australia has warmed 1°C since 1910, it comes as no surprise that that, globally, 15 of the last 16 years have been the warmest ever recorded.
The report also revealed that, since 1970, the rainfall in the south-west of Australia decreased by around 19 per cent, while rainfall across parts of northern Australia increased. The key results to come out of this year’s report are that, since 1970, the duration, intensity and frequency of extreme heat events has increased all across large parts of Australia.
Australia is already feeling the effects of climate change, with ocean temperatures causing the loss of large parts of the Great Barrier Reef.
Scientists and the BOM’s Dr Braganza agree that every country needs to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and lower their CO2 emissions. Dr Braganza believes that, even if this direct action occurred today, there would still be more warming over the next few decades.
Are you worried about how we are leaving the planet for future generations? Would you comply with extreme energy and fuel restrictions if implemented?
Read more at www.abc.net.au
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