Written by Guest Contributor Corinne from Asian Australians for Climate Action
Let’s face it, the weather has changed over the last few decades. From hot, sticky nights to sweltering days – climate change has officially become the ultimate uninvited guest in our daily lives.
In case you’ve missed it, the last decade has been officially the hottest on record. 2024 has claimed its spot as the second warmest year on record for Australia (only just behind 2019, which is still hanging onto the title of the hottest year ever, thanks to the Black Summer bushfires). We used to joke about the weather being ‘a bit warm’, but it’s way more serious now.
The Wrath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
The recent devastation caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in New South Wales and Queensland is just the latest in a series of extreme weather events that are becoming all too common. Torrential rain, flash flooding, and damaging winds battered communities, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. This wasn’t just a one-off event—it’s part of an alarming pattern of increasingly intense storms fueled by warming ocean temperatures. For many, this cyclone was yet another reminder that climate change isn’t a future problem—it’s happening right now, affecting our daily lives, our homes, and our safety.
Health: A Hot Mess
If you’re feeling the heat more than usual, you’re not alone. The increased frequency of heatwaves is more than just uncomfortable – it’s a health risk. And let’s not forget air pollution, which has become a regular recurrence in our summers. Remember when we had to check the air quality before deciding if we’d go outside for a walk? Who could’ve predicted that the air would become as much of a weather app necessity as the temperature itself? Whether it’s heat exhaustion during the summer months or exacerbated respiratory issues due to smog, our bodies are definitely feeling the burn.
The Financial Heat: Rising Costs of Living
Climate change isn’t just affecting our health – it’s also taking a toll on our wallets. Insurance premiums are through the roof, with the increased risk of bushfires and floods. In fact, recent years have shown a spike in extreme weather events, making the price of insuring our homes and vehicles much higher. Then there’s the cost of living – Australia’s food production has already felt the heat. Flooding in Queensland has wiped out banana crops, and Western Australia’s floods have devastated livestock, driving up
The Sport: When the Game Gets Too Hot to Handle
Another aspect of our lives that is being affected by climate change is sports. At the Australian Tennis Open, for example, the scorching days are making it harder for athletes to finish a match without risking heatstroke. We’ve already seen players collapse on the court, and it’s not just about their game face anymore. The Australian Open is constantly being forced to adapt, bringing in new measures like heat stress breaks, but the reality is: the weather is winning. And it’s not just tennis, either. Whether it’s cricket, football, or even your local weekend soccer match, more extreme weather means less playtime and potentially shorter seasons.
Cultural Tie-Ins: Hotter Days, Hotter Celebrations
As Asian Australians, the cultural tie-ins to all this climate change are hard to ignore. If you’ve ever spent Lunar New Year in South Asia, you might remember how hot it could get, where heatwaves and sweltering temperatures have always been part of the picture. But now? It’s becoming a little too familiar here. Food shortages could disrupt our annual gatherings, making our celebratory meals less of a feast and more of a scramble. Think about it: when’s the last time your family had to really plan your LNY meal, swapping out ingredients because of price hikes or shortages? It’s happening – and that’s not even mentioning the dreaded food delivery delays we’ve all experienced when the summer storms hit and knock out infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: Cool Solutions for a Hot Planet
This article is just the beginning of a series of discussions we’ll be having here at Being Asian Australian, where we’ll dive into the practical solutions for tackling climate change. We’re not just talking about how to stay cooler in the heat, but also how these solutions can save you money. From eco-friendly practices that lower your energy bills to smarter food choices that reduce the cost of living, we’ll cover it all.
We’ll also explore how the Asian community in Australia can lead the way in tackling climate change. So, stay tuned!
Visit our website https://aafcs.au/ for further information, and keep in touch with us on our socials on Facebook (Asian Australians for Climate Solutions) and Instagram (@aafcs_aus)!