In Brisbane, days where temperatures rise above 35C will increase sevenfold in 30 years' time. |
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In Brisbane, days where temperatures rise above 35C are expected to increase sevenfold in thirty years' time, according to a report from The Australia Institute released on Wednesday.
The current average is two days per year above 35C, but the report forecasts an increase to 14 days per year in 30 years' time, and to 45 days by 2090.
The report crunched data from the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
The Australia Institute's Richie Merzian said the forecasts also paint a bleak future for those in regional areas.
He said children living in towns like Roma, about 500 kilometres west of Brisbane, could experience up to 185 days over 35 degrees within their lifetime.
He said this would severely impact lives and industries.
"Extreme heat days could jeopardise many of Queensland's major industries like tourism, agriculture, and mining, where it is unsafe to work in such extreme temperatures," he said.
However, the report states that if emissions are reduced, "relatively safe" conditions could be ensured for future generations.
The report says extreme heat could peak in most areas by 2070 if steps are taken.
"Rising extreme heat is not inevitable; our analysis shows that if Australia cuts its emissions, much of these impacts can be avoided," Mr Merzian said.
Links
- Australia Institute: Queensland facing more climate chaos
- Australia Institute: HeatWatch
- Climate change and human health Risks And Responses
- ‘It’s been extreme’: Australia’s summer smashes seasonal heat records
- Australia: Projections for Australia’s NRM Regions
- Queensland Health (2015) Heatwave Response Plan
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