Warming trends could impact farmers, according to Queensland climate scientist

Dr Christa Pudmenzky discusses Logan's warming April climate. Plus, how will rising temperatures affect local food production?

Compared to the early 1990s, Logan records almost six more autumn days reaching 25 degrees. Logan, 15 April 2021, Source: Monash University.

Data from the Bureau of Meteorology suggests temperatures in Logan are warming.

Back in the early 1990s, residents saw around 20 April days reaching at least 25 degrees.

Now, it's more like 26 such days - almost the entire month of April.

Voices from your community

Beenleigh local Tansy Heck noticed how rising temperatures impacted Logan's environment.

"Summer has almost doubled in length - the heat now continues until April," she said.

"When I was a child it wasn't as hot or as humid as it is now.

"The temperature changes have affected the way local birds interact with their environment.

"The birds don't come out as much because the humidity and temperature is too high."

Community voices like Tansy's tell us how residents and business owners in southeast Queensland feel about their local climate. If you would like to contribute your voice to our column, you can fill out our 5-minute survey here.

Fast fact

Rising temperatures could impact Queensland's food production.

The state is expected to experience harsher and more frequent extreme weather events due to warming temperatures.

Heatwaves, drought, cyclones and floods affect farmers by damaging crops, delaying harvests and reducing livestock numbers.

According to the Climate Council, these disruptions can lead to food shortages, raise prices and limit the variability of produce in our supermarkets.

Want more information on how your climate is changing? Check out our most recent article here.

Dr Christa Pudmenzky is a climate scientist at the University of Southern Queensland.

This column is part of a collaboration between the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub and News Corp to deliver hyperlocal weather and climate information.

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