New global heat data released overnight revealed that 2015 shattered records, with the average temperature across the entire planet 0.90˚C above the 20th century average. It was also the single biggest yearly jump in temperature records. The sheer number of records broken in 2015 is staggering and is more clear evidence of a climate on steroids. To coincide with the release of the latest data, we’ve released an important new report, Hottest Year on Record (Again). It shows that the extreme heat is being driven by climate change, and exacerbating bushfire conditions in the USA and Australia, and bleaching delicate coral reefs the world over. While you and I are well aware that heat records are being broken with alarming regularity, it’s so important that a much wider group of Australians understand that climate change is affecting us all today. Can you share it to get even more people talking about climate change? The climate is sending us very clear warning signs and Australia is one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. Despite this, we are at the bottom of the list of OECD countries in terms of our emission reduction pledges - and we are struggling to meet even this weak level of ambition. Our emissions are going up and Australia’s renewable energy industry is now stagnant after the Renewable Energy Target was cut last year. Protecting Australians from worsening extreme weather events and doing our part in the global effort to bring climate change under control, requires a clear national plan for reducing emissions rapidly and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. We’ll email you again shortly with our plans for more ground breaking research in 2016, but for now have a read of the Hottest Year on Record (Again) report and please, share it widely amongst your networks. Thanks so much for getting the facts out there, and for your continued support of The Climate Council. Amanda McKenzie CEO, The Climate Council |
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