Climate change and extreme weather warnings in Australia: A call for urgent action

The time for action is now, and the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and nations hold the key to a more sustainable and resilient future.

In the midst of spring, Sydney recently experienced an unusual and unsettling phenomenon: five consecutive days of 35-degree heat. This unseasonal weather has left residents puzzled and concerned, as it defies the typical climate patterns of the region. While such temperatures might be expected in the height of summer – and only just – this occurrence in September is a clear sign of the changing climate in Australia.

The memory of the devastating bushfire season of 2019/20 still haunts us. It was a period when the country witnessed half of its territory engulfed in bushfires, and severe weather events wreaked havoc in every state and territory. This catastrophe led to widespread suffering and loss, leaving scars that are far from healed. Now, there are ominous predictions that the upcoming summer season could rival the horrors of that fateful year.

The warning bells have been sounded, not just by weather experts but also by the Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, who has urged communities to brace themselves for extreme heat in the coming summer. However, such warnings are only meaningful if they are accompanied by substantial support and concrete action provided by federal, state and territory governments. What are the lessons that have been learnt from the last extreme bushfire season?

The Australian government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 is a step in the right direction. But with each passing day, the urgency of the climate crisis becomes more apparent. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is imperative, but it must happen at a pace that matches the urgency of the situation.

What’s even more concerning is the reluctance of many media outlets – and the conservative side of politics – to explicitly connect these extreme weather events to global warming. Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus, some media sources remain hesitant, often due to ties their media proprietors – Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Stokes – have with oil, gas, and coal producers. This hesitation impedes public understanding and action on climate change.

Across the world, in northern America, Europe, south-east Asia and Africa, we have witnessed catastrophic fires, floods, and earthquakes tied to climate change. Yet, it’s perplexing that some media outlets, particularly those influenced by fossil fuel interests, fail to acknowledge the obvious correlation between these events and global warming. The planet is setting new records every year, and it’s not the kind of record-breaking anyone should celebrate.

As we look to the future, political compromise is no longer an option. Climate change is not an issue where competing interests can be balanced to everyone’s satisfaction. If we fail to act decisively, there will be no winners, no matter one’s political affiliation or economic interests. The very existence of our planet is at stake.

While optimism may be scarce, the need for action is abundantly clear. A change of government at the 2022 federal election offered some hope, but there needs to be faster action and unequivocal commitment to address climate change. The time for action is now, for the sake of our planet, the wellbeing of future generations, and all the ecosystems that depend on a stable climate.

The challenge of short-term interests and political gridlock

It appears that the prevailing theme in addressing climate change is the prioritisation of short-term political interests over the imperative of long-term action. Regrettably, this is not a challenge unique to Australia. Around the world, major nations seem reluctant to take the climate crisis seriously, primarily because they are both the biggest contributors to the problem and the ones with the most to lose, including economic powerhouses like China, the United States, most of Europe, and indeed, Australia.

While it is true that some efforts are being made, they still fall short of what is required to combat climate change effectively. The warning signals have been flashing for decades, dating back to the 1960s, and each passing decade – the ’70s, ’80s,’90s and beyond – has brought a fresh call for urgent action, but more often than not, these calls have transformed into nothing more than empty promises. The consequences of inaction are now glaringly evident in the form of bushfires and floods in Australia, as well as similar disasters across the globe.

In Australia, legislative changes have been incremental and piecemeal. The commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent is certainly an improvement compared to the non-binding 26 per cent that was proposed by the Liberal Party in 2022. However, the Australian Greens advocate for a reduction of at least 78 per cent, possibly even as high as 90 per cent, which is more in line with what is needed to curb climate change. The current pace of action does not match the urgency of the situation.

To effect real change, it may be necessary to establish a supra-governmental body with the authority to halt certain activities. For instance, a body with the power to curtail certain forms of mining or resource extraction that are contributing to environmental degradation. The concept of carbon credits, though initially well-intentioned, has failed in practice, often resulted in the trading of emissions rather than a true reduction.

Another significant challenge lies in the longevity of legislation. Climate policies and initiatives are often at the mercy of changing governments. For instance, the carbon pricing scheme implemented by the Gillard government in 2012 effectively reduced emissions during its brief existence, but it was abandoned by the Abbott government in 2013, resulting in an increase in emissions. This illustrates the disruptive influence of politics on climate action.

One potential solution might involve implementing legislation with long-term effects that are difficult to reverse, regardless of changes in government. Over time, such measures could become embedded in society, making it politically challenging for future administrations to dismantle them. A case in point is unleaded petrol, which has remained in place for over three decades, despite past attempts to reintroduce leaded petrol.

The crux of the issue lies in the very nature of our democratic system, which often makes it difficult to make difficult decisions. Elected officials are understandably hesitant to support policies that might jeopardise their political careers. Addressing this challenge requires a more informed and engaged citizenry. Achieving this involves improving education and media, ensuring that people understand the critical issues at stake. Currently, distractions such as celebrity news and sports often take precedence, allowing those in power to operate with impunity.

In essence, addressing climate change requires a profound shift in priorities and a willingness to make difficult, long-term decisions that transcend political cycles. It necessitates a more informed and engaged public that holds leaders accountable for their actions on this critical issue.

The urgent need for action and global cooperation

The recurring pattern of inaction on climate change is a cause for great concern. Calamities like wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events elicit temporary calls for action, but these calls often result in small, incremental changes that ultimately fail to address the magnitude of the problem. It’s a cycle that repeats itself, with governments, regardless of their political affiliations, demonstrating a lack of serious commitment to tackling climate change. This, despite the fact that climate change ranks among the most critical international security issues.

The unfortunate polarisation of climate change as a ‘left-versus-right’ issue further exacerbates the problem. Conservative governments often deny the urgency of climate change, while centre-left governments, at best, take incremental steps toward mitigation. The reality, however, is that the challenge transcends partisan politics. It is a global issue that requires a collective and decisive response.

This lack of meaningful action extends beyond Australia; it is a global phenomenon. Very few governments worldwide have enacted comprehensive climate change measures commensurate with the scale of the challenge. Climate conferences like COP (Conference of the Parties) meetings are held regularly, with each new gathering offering a glimmer of hope for progress. The upcoming COP Convention on Climate Change in Dubai promises to introduce a global stocktake of emissions, energy transition, and climate finance to be revisited every two years. However, such incremental steps are not sufficient in the face of a rapidly escalating climate crisis.

In Australia, the debate over issues like the closure of the Liddell power station and the expansion of coal mining continues. This indecision and reliance on traditional practices hinder meaningful progress and the fear of legal challenges and political fallout discourages bold action. But the truth is, we have run out of any leeway and room to move. We can no longer afford to delay or defer responsibility to future generations or governments.

The timeline for addressing climate change has become alarmingly compressed. The modest goal of 43 per cent reductions in emissions is no longer adequate. To avert catastrophic consequences, we must aim far higher for reductions of 60–90 per cent. While achieving 100 per cent reductions – or net zero – may seem like an insurmountable challenge, it’s imperative that we explore every avenue, even radical reforms in mining technology, to pursue this goal.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. We are on borrowed time, and every passing day inches us closer to irreversible environmental damage. It’s time for principled politicians at both the federal and state levels to rise to the occasion. It’s time for global cooperation that transcends politics, borders, and vested interests.

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in human history. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is here, it is now, and it demands our immediate and sustained attention. The path ahead is challenging, but it is not insurmountable. It requires decisive action, innovative solutions, and the political will to prioritise the future of our planet over short-term interests. We must remember that the consequences of inaction affect us all, regardless of political affiliation or geographical location. The time for action is now, and the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and nations hold the key to a more sustainable and resilient future.