As South Australia grapples with record-breaking temperatures and the looming threat of bushfires and prolonged dry spells, an international study conducted by Flinders University emphasises the pressing need for concerted efforts to prepare for climate extremes in the region.
The study’s findings (in collaboration with Argentinian researchers) reveal alarming trends in temperature and rainfall indices over the past five decades, painting a grim picture of climate challenges in South Australia.
Over the last 50 years, South Australia has witnessed an increase in both maximum and minimum temperatures by 1.1°C and 0.7°C, respectively. There’s also been a noticeable decrease in precipitation, signalling the likelihood of more intense and prolonged droughts.
These extreme weather patterns include scorching summer heatwaves and occasional extremes like frost and floods.
“If South Australia’s rainfall continues to decline as forecasted, we can expect increased soil erosion in dryland agricultural regions and greater mobility of coastal dune systems, especially in areas with already low annual rainfall,” Professor Patrick Hesp, co-author from Flinders University says.
South Australia, often referred to as the driest state on the driest continent, is predicted to experience more extreme weather events, including storms, prolonged droughts, and temperature peaks that could soar 3-5°C above current averages. These findings align with global climate change trends, posing significant challenges for the region.
“We found remarkable warming signal trends in both hot and cold extreme weather events,” Dr. Federico Ferrelli, a researcher from Universidad Nacional del Sur in Argentina, said.
The study uncovered similarities between long-term climate changes in South Australia and temperate agricultural regions in Argentina.
This connection underscores the shared vulnerability of Southern Hemisphere countries to climate extremes. It calls for a focus on climate change mitigation and sustainable management strategies to safeguard ecosystems and human health in exposed areas.
Researchers emphasise the importance of sustainable land management practices, including reduced land clearance, native plant revegetation, and more sustainable agriculture, to address the challenges posed by climate change. They stress that despite economic differences between Argentina and Australia, both countries face imminent impacts of climate change.
Climate change has far-reaching effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, agriculture, food security, water resources, and human health and well-being. Vulnerable populations and developing countries bear the brunt of these effects, leading to economic and social inequities.
With a population of 1.8 million, South Australia is at risk of experiencing a severe impact on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, vector-borne diseases, and mortality rates due to extreme temperatures. The study underscores the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and capping global warming projections, aligning with CSIRO and other climate projections.
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