More bushfires may be in store for Australia as its summer season progresses and climate change plays its role, says WMO
As bushfires rage on in Australia -- with devastating consequences in their aftermath -- there is a potential for further damage as the summer season in the Southern hemisphere progresses, the spokesperson for the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) told journalists on Tuesday.
“Catastrophic and unprecedented fires” are still raging in Australia, WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis told journalists in Geneva, adding that these “have killed more than 22 people, destroyed hundreds of homes, burnt hundreds of thousands of hectares of land and caused absolutely massive but massive devastation to wild life, to ecosystems and to the environment”.
As it is still relatively early in the Australian summer, temperatures are expected to rise by the end of the week and there is a potential for further fires as the season progresses, Nullis said.
Satellite imagery has been able to show some of extent of the devastation, and according to WMO and satellite reports, the smoke is in the process of circumnavigating the planet. “The fires have led to hazardous air quality, which is a threat to human health in major cities in Australia, spreading to New Zealand,” the WMO reported, adding that the smoke has “drifted thousands of kilometers across the Pacific to South America.” Meteorological services in both Chile and Argentina have reported that “the long-range transport of smoke had reached there. The sunset in Buenos Aires reportedly turned red, the sky in central Chile were grey because of this smoke”, Nullis said.
Harmful pollutants released by wildfires create hazardous air quality “including toxic gases”, the WMO spokesperson said, highlighting that a far-reaching consequence is that the natural recovery of the forests is hampered as the “fires emit carbon dioxide, and obviously they burn up those very forests which are so vital for acting as carbon sinks and absorbing carbon dioxide”.
Australia had been unusually dry and warm in 2019 as a result of climate change, setting the scene for a long and challenging fire season. Despite a brief respite currently, temperatures in Australia are set to rise again by the end of the week.
“Climate change is playing a role and we should be in no doubt about that,” Nullis said. Australia is projected to experience future increases in both sea and air temperatures, the country’s meteorological agency has predicted, characterized by “more hot days and marine heat waves and fewer cooler extremes,” she said. Average temperatures in Australia have already increased by 1 degree Celsius since records-keeping began.
2
1
2
Edited News , Press Conferences | UNFPA
Launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2024 report, “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending inequalities in sexual and reproductive health and rights”
1
1
1
Edited News | UNICEF , OHCHR , UN WOMEN
Summary: More than one million Palestinian women and girls in Gaza face catastrophic hunger and lack access to food, safe water, and essential services. The conflict has disproportionately impacted women and children, with thousands of women widowed and children injured. The situation in Gaza is dire, with ongoing challenges in evacuating critically injured patients. The UN has urged all states with influence to halt the humanitarian crisis and violence in Gaza.
1
1
1
Edited News | OCHA , WHO
Summary: WHO reports extensive destruction in Gaza hospitals, with non-functional facilities, makeshift graves, and urgent need for supplies and resources. Access to hospitals and deconfliction measures are crucial for restoring functionality. Communication equipment is also needed for humanitarian operations.
1
1
2
Edited News | UNHCR
War in Sudan: in massive exodus, 1’800 people a day seek refuge in world’s poorest country - UNHCR
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNOG
The UN Human Rights Office on Friday made a renewed plea for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and for humanitarian workers to be protected, in the wake of the deaths this week of seven people working for the World Central Kitchen. The subsequent halting of aid delivery and distribution has increased the already real risk of more deaths from famine, the Office warned.
1
1
1
Edited News | FAO
Aid convoys reach Sudan's Darfur to avert hunger catastrophe. Challenges in delivering aid persist. 18 million people face acute hunger in Sudan.