Climate change-induced extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, and more intense. Photo by Tim J Keegan on Flickr. Licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0.
As Queensland swelters through summer’s most significant and widespread heatwave with no end in sight, the Climate Council has urged Queenslanders to take precautions — and the government to take action.
Climate Council Acting CEO and Head of Research, Dr Martin Rice said that the state’s Queensland’s summer heatwave comes after the hottest period on earth was officially confirmed last month, as a result of intensifying climate change.
“Globally, the past five years (2013-2017) have gone down as the hottest in recorded history. While Australia has experienced its hottest winter on record ever, with more than 260 records smashed. Now, Queensland is feeling the heat with most extreme and widespread severe heatwave of the season,” he said.
“Our window of opportunity to tackle climate change is closing – quickly. This is just one of many extreme warnings that the Federal Government cannot ignore.”
Dr. Rice will join a host of speakers at the Xtreme Weather conference, taking place on March 20 at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, which has just announced their full program.
See below for some selected speakers from the conference agenda.
Advances in forecasting, diagnosing and communicating high-impact weather events
Science Support Meteorologist – Extreme Weather Desk, Bureau of Meteorology
Climate change adaptation and building a climate resilient community
Director, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility
Managing the risks of climate variability and extremes in Australian Agriculture
Chief Executive Officer, Farmers for Climate Action
Icons at Risk: Climate Change Threatening Australian Tourism
Acting CEO and Head of Research, Climate Council
Is your community resilient? Guidelines for natural hazard resilience in the built environment
Environmental Economist, Edge Environment
The role of military response in addressing climate change induced extreme weather events
Admiral Chris Barrie (Ret.)
Former Chief of the Australian Defence Force
