Posts tagged ‘extreme weather’
For disaster risk reduction we need a National Assessment of Climate Risk and a National Climate Adaptation Plan
While we continue to experience disastrous Flood events in Victoria, New South Wales and northern Tasmania, reflect that October 13, was International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction as declared by the United Nations.(1)
With this flood event in Victoria more than 500 homes have been damaged and a further 500 cut off by the extensive flooding, while thousands of homes have been left without power. Thousands of people have been under evacuation orders across the three states reports the ABC. The flooding of farmland in regional areas will destroy crops and may impact food prices.
We need the Federal Government to order a National Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, followed by the development of a National Adaptation Plan to address the climate driven extreme weather disasters.
(more…)Epidemic Thunderstorm asthma warning: expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
VicHealth warning map for thunderstorm asthma forr 11 November 2020
This is an extreme weather warning for tomorrow (Wednesday 11 November 2020) for epidemic thunderstorm asthma. Anyone who suffers asthma or heyfever should have their medications and asthma plan ready. Risk is rated as moderate for tomorrow.
The Victorian Health Department advises:
“People with current, past or undiagnosed asthma or hay fever are considered to be at risk. Having both asthma and hay fever or poorly controlled asthma increases the risk further. Those at increased risk should:
* avoid exposure to any storms that may emerge, especially the wind gusts that precede them
* have a reliever appropriately available (as discussed with your doctor or pharmacist)
* remind themselves of their asthma action plan and have practical knowledge of the four steps of asthma first aid.”
Study: 50 degree extreme heat days possible in Melbourne
Climate Emergency
Yes, heatwaves and extreme heat events are going to get worse for many years, even if we do everything possible to reduce emissions. Week long heatwaves, and extreme heat events with temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius may be seen in a decade or so in Sydney and Melbourne.
That is the inertia in the climate system. In the meantime we need to rapidly increase renewables while making energy savings through energy efficiency, and cutting emissions particularly from the electricity generation sector.
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2016 hottest year on record globally, 4th warmest for Australia
The official reports are in. 2016 was the hottest year on record according to the European Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). In Australia the Bureau of Meteorology declared 2016 the 4th warmest on record.
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Climate Action Merribek: people in Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner and Glenroy wanting action on climate change 