Past Two-Year Average Temperature Highest Ever Recorded For Australia

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A Climate Council report to be ­released today reveals the past 24 months up to the end of April have delivered the nation’s hottest average temperature on record. That record is expected to be beaten when figures are collated for May, with scientists saying it is further evidence of how climate change is influencing our weather.

Scientist Will Steffen said if the weather bureau forecast for an El Nino in the second half of the year was correct, it had the potential to exacerbate the climate change-driven warming trend.

‘‘Climate change is here, it’s happening and Australians are already feeling its impact,’’ he said. ‘‘El Nino events usually make life tougher in rural Australia, often triggering drought, water restrictions, extreme heat and increased bushfire risk. ‘‘When it comes on top of two years of climate change-related record warmth, you have to be concerned.’’

University of Queensland scientist Sophie Dove has warned an El Nino may produce further coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. ‘‘If we get an El Nino over the ­summer months, it could certainly lead to a mass bleaching,’’ Ms Dove said.

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http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/climate-council-report-says-past-24nbspmonths-have-delivered-nations-hottest-average-temperature-ever/story-fnihsrf2-1226939106752