2024 set to break Aussie heat record, as global temperatures cross 1.5C threshold

Extreme weather events at an all time high as Australia gets ready to clock its hottest year on record.

Climate change affects everyday Australians.

Global temperatures are predicted to reach 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for the first time ever this year – a threshold that scientists have long cautioned would bring a more extreme, unpredictable climate.

From heatwaves to flooding rains, 2024 has been a year of wild weather for the planet, and Australia did not come out unscathed.

More than 1600 extreme weather events were recorded across the country, ranging from floods, bushfires, heat events, and even cyclones.

Due to its vast size, diverse environments, and being girt by sea, Australia is one of the most climate-sensitive regions in the world.

And, the onset of human-induced climate change is set to heighten this sensitivity.

This is because as the climate warms, it changes weather patterns and throws out the balance of natural systems.

Prof Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a climate scientist at the Australian National University said, "As a scientist, I can use generic terms like 'concerning' and 'worrying', but honestly, as a person, I'm petrified with where it's going."

"We're about to have our hottest year on record and it just plainly shows that we're not doing enough globally to reduce emissions."

In fact, we've already started to feel the heat in our own backyards.

If we zoom in on the weather experienced across South Australia this year, we see above average temperatures almost every month.

The record broken in March is of particular note, with temperatures sitting 2.9C above average.

A nation feeling the heat

"Extreme events seem to be occurring more often and more viciously," said Prof Perkins-Kirkpatrick, suggesting that this could become the new normal under an increasingly warmer climate.

Here's a look at how South Australia fared in comparison to the rest of the country.

In just 11 months, the state recorded 245 extreme weather events, with fires and floods seen right across the country.

But it was heatwaves and heat records that were undoubtedly the biggest offenders – 241 in total.

"With climate change, we're seeing longer, more intense heatwaves, putting more and more people at risk," added Prof Perkins-Kirkpatrick.

Not only do they impact physical health – causing heatstroke and inflaming chronic conditions like heart disease – they also affect mental wellbeing.

Prolonged exposure to heat is linked to increased workplace injuries and decreased productivity, especially in industries like construction and farming.

Beyond heatwaves, extreme weather has had many other impacts.

Flooding early in the year damaged infrastructure and displaced communities, while bushfires strained emergency services and threatened important habitat for wildlife.

"Each ecosystem has its own threshold, but climate change is driving all of them closer to collapse," said Prof Perkins-Kirkpatrick.

"Fruit bats are a stark example of ecosystem vulnerability," she added.

"They literally fall out of trees when temperatures exceed critical thresholds."

Building resilience for the future

The impacts of climate change can feel daunting, but there are plenty of ways to make a difference.

Staying up to date about incoming extreme weather, and preparing for emergencies by clearing gutters, trimming overhanging trees and having an evacuation plan can help keep us safe.

As a community we can focus on improving resilience – whether that's through heat-resistant infrastructure, better land management, or shifting to more energy efficient appliences through household electrification.

As individuals, looking after our physical and mental health is key too.

This means staying hydrated, finding ways to keep cool during heatwaves, and seeking support if you're feeling overwhelmed.

"Do what you can, when you can," explains Prof Perkins-Kirkpatrick.

"Even small changes, like eating less red meat or switching to a greener energy plan, can set the stage for bigger actions in the future."

While 2024 has been a wake-up call, it also serves as an important reminder to be prepared and stay updated with what's happening in our climate.

By making practical changes now, Aussies can help reduce the impacts of climate change and protect what matters most.

Want more information on how your climate is changing? Check out the last article in this series.

Mandeep Singh is a Senior Project Officer at the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub.

This column is part of a collaboration between Monash University and News Corp to deliver hyperlocal weather and climate information.