Climate change is about physics, the physics of the atmosphere.
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For every 1°C of warming, the earth's atmosphere holds seven per cent more water. CSIRO reports that Australia has warmed an average of 1.4°C since 1910, so that's 10 per cent more water in the clouds than we were used to.
No wonder that when it rains the risk of more intense downpours and floods is greater. Recently we have seen some places on the north coast getting 900mm in four days.
Federal Coalition government policy is for a 4°C rise in temperatures during this century, so imagine another 18 per cent more water on top of what we have now, that's 28 per cent more than in the atmosphere early last century. Be prepared for more high intensity rainfall in the months and years ahead.
Climate change comes with big costs to individuals, households and businesses. Are we ready for it? Better to acknowledge that we are entering a climate crisis, and then make plans and set budgets to cope with what is to come.
Harry Creamer
Port Macquarie