The world's top scientists say there's a nine in 10 chance the world will smash through new temperature records this decade, with dangerous consequences for Australians.
The World Meteorological Organization has released a new report that models global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as very likely for at least one year in the next five years (91% chance). (Note: this is not the same as exceeding the Paris Agreement target which is measured as an average over 20-30 years.)
One year within the next five years is also very likely to surpass 2024 as the hottest year on record (86% chance). This follows the trend over the last two decades of major temperature records being broken over and over as the Earth heats.
Climate Councillor Adjunct Professor Andrew Watkins said: "These findings sound the alarm bell for us all yet again and highlight the urgent need for action. Continental land masses like Australia heat up faster than the oceans, and so heat up more than the global average."
"The climate whiplash we have seen already this year, from flooding rains to heatwaves and fierce fires, sometimes within days – will intensify with rising temperatures, creating more disruption, dislocation and devastation for communities across Australia."
"The burning of coal, oil and gas is driving these rising temperatures. The further and faster we cut climate pollution this decade, the safer our kids will be."
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: "This is an extremely worrying forecast. Behind these numbers is the real climate harm for Australians, more dangerous fire seasons, more intense floods, more devastating heatwaves. Every fraction of a degree of warming makes life harder and more dangerous."
"Yet still massive, multinational fossil fuel companies who are warming the planet, continue to get a billion-dollar free ride through subsidies and foregone taxes. Why are Aussie taxpayers subsidising some of the most profitable companies in the world so they can keep polluting? The government needs to put the brakes on fossil fuels and pump the accelerator on expanding renewables."
