The CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology have released a new report on the state of Australia’s climate.
The report tracks changes in Australian average temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea levels.
Here’s what it said.
Temperature
Australia’s average temperature is 1.47ºC warmer than when national records began in 1910. Every decade since the 1950s has been warmer than the last. This is a similar rate of warming to the rest of the world.
Sea temperatures in Australia’s oceans have increased by just over 1.05ºC since 1900. The area of greatest warming is in the southeast.
Extreme weather
Fires have increased in frequency and size since the 1950s. Days of extreme heat have also increased. Extreme heat has caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard.
There has been a decline in rainfall in southern Australia since 1970, especially from May to July, but at the same time heavy rainfall events have become more intense, particularly in northern Australia.
The number of cyclones has decreased since 1982.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the report was “sobering reading.”
“Australia is experiencing climate change now, with impacts being felt by many communities, ecosystems and industry sectors… this report reinforces the urgent need for climate action.”
