BLUF

Our future wellbeing probably depends on us being prepared to deal with shifting weather patterns resulting in more extreme weather events such as bushfires and flooding.

Summary

Bridget Judd, writing for the ABC, is in no doubt that our climate is changing and changing dramatically. And our future health and wellbeing depend on us being able to manage climate change better. Judd notes that both the Bureau of Meteorology and the CSIRO are predicting a shift in weather extremes. Judd comments that past weather patterns cannot provide us with reliable data regarding future weather events. Judd also explores the possibility that Covid-19 distracted people from just how severe the 2020 bushfires were. Another area that could impact on our way-of-life is the damage being caused by coastal erosion. Judd believes that we will have to learn to adapt to extreme weather changes by building better coastal defences and being more selective in choosing where we live. What else do you think we can do to mitigate the impact of severe weather events on our communities' wellbeing?

Learn more about how extreme weather events can affect Australian communities

References