he seriousness of Australia’s environmental problems was underlined Wednesday with the release of data showing that the country appears to be experiencing the effects of global warming more deeply than other parts of the world.
In its annual climate report, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said 2006 had seen the warmest spring on record, with average temperatures up 1.42 degrees centigrade. The mean temperature for the year was 0.47 degrees above the 1961 to 1990 average. Average global temperatures in 2006 were 0.42 degrees above their 1961-1990 average.
2006 was consistent with longer term data, showing mean temperatures in Australia had increased faster than the global average since 1910, the bureau added.
“Most scientists agree this is part of an enhanced greenhouse gas effect,” said Neil Plummer, the bureau’s senior climatologist. “Of Australia’s 20 hottest years [on record], 15 have occurred since 1980.”
Read More
