Bushfires and Climate Change
The latest research from the Climate Council.
A reasoned and evidence-led discussion about the policy and social implications of our climate is critical. The Climate Council has released their first report.
The report states:
While Australia has always experienced bushfires, climate change is increasing the probability of extreme fire weather days.
Climate change is making hot days hotter, and heatwaves more frequent and severe. Last summer, Australia experienced the hottest summer on record, and now has just had the hottest September on record. Southeast Australia is experiencing a long-term drying trend. More intense and frequent hot weather, as well as dry conditions, increases the likelihood of extreme fire weather days.
Extreme fire weather has increased over the last 30 years in NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and parts of South Australia
- Climate change is already increasing the risk of bushfires.
- In southeast Australia the fire season is becoming longer, reducing the opportunities for hazard reduction burning.
- Recent severe fires have been influenced by record hot, dry conditions.
- In the future, Australia is very likely to experience an increased number of days with extreme fire danger.
- It is crucial that communities, emergency services, health services and other authorities prepare for the increasing severity and frequency of extreme fire conditions.
- This is the critical decade
Caveat: I am a founding funder/contributor to the council.
