A new climate report by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO warned of lengthier and more extreme fire seasons, extreme marine heatwaves, and more frequent coastal flooding. Australia’s carbon dioxide levels and warming oceans continue to fuel these dramatic environmental changes, which are further calling on Australians to gear up for more frequent and severe climate impacts, the biennial report said.(More)

 Oceans Warming, Acidification on the Rise

The report explained how ocean temperatures in the Australian region continue to escalate, especially in the southern parts. While ocean temperature is rising, there is also increased carbon dioxide, which leads to more acidic ocean conditions and threatens marine ecosystems. “Rising sea levels around Australia are increasing the risk of inundation and damage to coastal infrastructure and communities,” according to Jaci Brown, a CSIRO Research Manager, in the report. Sea levels will continue rising, exposing more coastal communities to increased flood risks in the decades to come.

 More Extreme Fire Weather and Changing Rain Patterns

The past ten years of climate-related changes in the weather of Australia have brought about floods, droughts, heatwaves, and devastating fires; most experts say these are due to climate change. Eight of the nine warmest years since 2013 have occurred during this period, with such warming trend associated with an increasingly extreme fire weather condition and a more extended fire season across most parts of the country, according to the climate services manager at the Bureau of Meteorology, Karl Braganza.

Shifts in climate also imply drier weather patterns would prevail over southwestern and southeastern parts of Australia. Decreased rainfall will likely become the new status quo. Coastal flooding, which occurs rarely, will become the most normal occurrence through the end of this century.

 Coral Bleaching and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems

Due to warmer and more acidic water, the world’s iconic coral reefs, including those located in Australia and the Great Barrier Reef, are facing critical threats. Since surging sea temperatures cause corals to expel algae, changing their colors to white due to damage, the latter will face extreme bleaching events and thus be put under immense threat.

The Great Barrier Reef stretches more than 2,300 kilometers, making it one of the largest living structures on Earth. This colorful coral system supports a very complex ecosystem that could be lost and impact far more species than those living within the reef itself.

The new Australian report underlines the urgent need to take action to mitigate future effects, protect ecosystems, and prepare for more extreme and frequent climate events as this country’s climate continues changing.