AUSSIE OPEN HEAT DRIVEN BY CLIMATE CHANGE – SCIENTISTS

Australian heatwave shows man-made climate change, scientists say

Jamie Smyth and Clive Cookson, January 16, 2014 (Financial Times)

“The extreme heatwave gripping southern Australia forced the suspension of matches at the Australian Open tennis tournament…Tournament organisers implemented an extreme heat policy and stopped matches…Temperatures are forecast to reach 44C [115F] in Melbourne, putting pressure on electricity networks struggling to cope with surging demand…Government officials have warned of health risks caused by the extreme heat amid reports of an increase in cardiac arrests…An interim report published on Thursday by the Climate Council, a non-governmental group staffed by Australian scientists, found heatwaves in the country are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and the hottest days are becoming hotter. It blames increased greenhouse gas emissions for the intensity of the heatwavesAustralia’s second severe heatwave in a fortnight follows confirmation by the Bureau of Meteorology that 2013 was the hottest year on record. Average temperatures were 1.2C above the long-term average…” click here for more

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