Climate change australian summers twice as long as winters
A very interesting and relevant topic!
Yes, research suggests that Australian summers are indeed getting longer and hotter, while winters are getting shorter and milder. This trend is consistent with the expected impacts of climate change.
A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change in 2019 analyzed temperature records from 1910 to 2016 and found that:
- Australian summers (December to February) have increased in length by about 10 days over the past century.
- Winters (June to August) have decreased in length by about 5 days over the same period.
- The average temperature of Australian summers has risen by about 1.5°C (2.7°F) since the 1960s, while winter temperatures have increased by about 0.5°C (0.9°F).
The study's lead author, Dr. Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick from the University of New South Wales, attributed these changes to human-induced climate change. She noted that the warming trend is more pronounced in the southern parts of Australia, which are more susceptible to climate change due to their proximity to the Antarctic.
Other research has also confirmed these findings. For example, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres found that:
- The duration of Australian summers has increased by about 14 days since the 1970s.
- The number of extremely hot days (above 35°C or 95°F) has increased by about 50% since the 1960s.
These changes have significant implications for Australia's ecosystems, economy, and human health. Prolonged heatwaves and droughts can lead to water scarcity, bushfires, and increased mortality rates, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
It's essential to continue monitoring and understanding these changes to develop effective strategies for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change in Australia.