THE CLIMATE COUNCIL says climate pollution is amplifying the extreme rain and flooding that’s pummelled Queenslanders, as Victorians grapple with being flung between fire and storm conditions.
Climate Councillor, Professor David Karoly said: “Our thoughts are with everyone enduring bushfires and heat in Victoria, as well as those impacted by the ongoing flood emergency in north Queensland, where some areas have reportedly received close to two metres of rain in the past three days.
“This flooding comes after 2024 was officially declared the world’s hottest year on record – a year in which the total amount of water in our atmosphere also reached record levels. We know a warmer world is a wetter world overall and, sadly, Queenslanders are suffering the consequences time and time again.
“As the 2024 State of the Climate Report from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology notes, since 1994, wet season rainfall in northern Australia has been 20% above the 1900–1993 average. Seven of the 10 wettest wet seasons in northern Australia have occurred since 1998.
“This extremely heavy rainfall around Townsville and Ingham is happening because climate pollution, caused by the burning of coal, oil and gas, has warmed our oceans and air to a point where heavy rainfall events are more intense.
“The full scale of the damage will take some time to calculate, as communities have a long clean up ahead and the next devastating flood event or heatwave could be just around the corner.”
Professor Karoly said that Victorians have also been left shaken by extreme conditions this week: “Historically, fires have often occurred in Victoria at this time of year but what climate pollution is doing is making rapid, wild swings in conditions more likely. This experience of “climate whiplash” has flung Victorians from one extreme to another, with the state almost simultaneously experiencing heatwaves, fires, storms and flash floods.
“As a Victorian, I’m feeling for those who have lost property or suffered damages from these events. Yet, as a climate scientist I am resolute because I know the solutions are clear. We need to accelerate our switch to renewable energy, battery storage, cleaner transport and manufacturing to slash climate pollution and prevent climate whiplash that’s hurling us from one unnatural disaster to another.”
ENDS
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
James Stuart - Hydrologist and flooding expert. Can talk about this event compared to other Queensland flood events.
Professor Scott Heron - Townsville- based scientist who can talk about his work and friends impacted by flooding and the conditions that have led to this event.
Jodie Rummer, - Townsville, reef scientist, biologist, can talk about her community and the reef.
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