27. Heat, fire, rain and floods ...

I have recently been on holidays in the Grampians (and it was hot, very hot ... 40 degrees). It is a beautiful part of Australia with forests, mountains and plenty of wildlife. While there I was able to learn a little more about recent 'climatic' or weather events from the locals. In 2006, they were hit by a substantial bush fire that spread through most of the forests. Then between 2006 and 2010, there was a drought that impacted the local communities and natural environment. Then it rained and rained in 2010, bringing so much water that many of the rivers over flowed. The changing weather patterns have clearly had a deep impact on people and the environment. At the same time as being in the Grampians, the news was filled with images and reports on the bush fires raging in different parts of Australia. Bush fires are common in Australia, but the changing climate is creating 'perfect' conditions for fires. On returning to Melbourne, I read that the Bureau of Meteorology’s interactive weather forecasting chart has added new colours – deep purple and pink – to extend its previous temperature range that had been capped at 50 degrees. The new forecasting map now has colours that go up to 54 degrees. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology doesn’t pull any punches on what is driving this astounding heat. "The current  heatwave – in terms of its duration, its intensity and its extent – is now unprecedented in our records," the Bureau of Meteorology’s manager of climate monitoring and prediction, David Jones, said. "Clearly, the climate system is responding to the background warming trend. Everything that happens in the climate system now is taking place on a planet which is a degree hotter than it used to be." And this all means, heat, fire, rain and floods …