Wildlife at risk as the Shire's temperatures rise, explains climate scientist

Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick discusses how the Shire's May climate is changing. Plus, resident Claire shares their experience.

WITH May almost over, it's time to look back on how this month has changed in recent decades.

Back in the 1970s, the Shire's coldest May night was around five degrees.

Now, it's more like eight - three degrees warmer than 50 years ago.

Changes like these have a big impact on our planet.

Rising temperatures increase the risk of extreme weather events and endanger wildlife.

It's not just the science telling us the climate is changing.

Residents across the region are noticing too, including Claire from Peakhurst.

So what do these changes mean?

Extreme weather including floods, fires and droughts threaten the habitat of local wildlife.

The impact on vital food and water supplies could leave native species vulnerable.

A World Wildlife Fund report released last year identified habitat destruction and climate change as key factors in the dramatic decline of Australia's wildlife populations.

For example, the Black Summer bushfires impacted more than 60,000 koalas through smoke inhalation, heat stress, dehydration, habitat loss and diminished food supply.

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

Dr Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick is a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales.

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