AUSTRALIA has experienced its hottest July (mean maximum temperatures) on record, as a result of a long-term trend of global temperatures increasing, due to worsening pollution levels.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s ‘Australia in July 2017,’ report shows that Australia experienced its warmest daytime mean maximum temperature on record in July this year, with record warmth experienced in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Climate Councillor and climate scientist, Professor Will Steffen said the latest record-breaking temperatures seen in July this year are part of another in a long and growing list of heat-related records here and around the world, driven by climate change.

“While many other countries, including our major trading partners and allies, are reducing their emissions, Australia continues to reach disappointing new heights with the country’s greenhouse gas emissions rising again in 2016, jumping by 1.4 per cent,” he said.

“Australia is failing to tackle climate change, adding to global carbon pollution. This puts Australians at increasing risk from worsening extreme weather events, including severe heatwaves, bushfires, intense rainfall and coastal flooding as a direct result from the burning of fossil fuels such as a coal, oil and gas.”

“The solutions to the climate challenge are at our disposal, the Federal Government has an opportunity to adopt effective climate and energy policy by supporting the investment of clean, affordable and sustainable renewable energy and storage technology.”

The new record comes as Australia’s latest quarterly greenhouse gas emissions data (March 2017) remain hidden from the public.

For more information please contact Climate Council Media Advisor Alexia Boland on 0430511068 and alexia@climatecouncil.org.au.