Climate change, whaling, wild weather and water were the environmental issues dominating headlines this year. Australia mourned the loss of a conservation giant, University of Canberra freshwater ecologist and self-described political ''shit stirrer'' Peter Cullen, who died in March. His funeral service was attended by more than 900 people, who came to Canberra from all over Australia to pay their respects to a courageous, outspoken champion of national water reform.
Climate change, whaling, wild weather and water were the environmental issues dominating headlines this year.
Australia mourned the loss of a conservation giant, University of Canberra freshwater ecologist and self-described political ''shit stirrer'' Peter Cullen, who died in March. His funeral service was attended by more than 900 people, who came to Canberra from all over Australia to pay their respects to a courageous, outspoken champion of national water reform.
In its annual summary of world weather trends, the World Meteorological Organisation described 2008 as a year ''marked by weather extremes''.
!ADVERTISEMENT!
Australia had its share of wild weather, including record heatwaves in Adelaide, worsening drought across the Murray-Darling Basin and violent storms unleashing floods across northern NSW and Queensland.
The year began with torrential rains causing the worst floods in 20 years across south-east Queensland and the NSW North Coast. More than 3000 people were stranded in NSW, with flood damage exceeding $250million.
Climate scientists, including Brisbane-based Professor Ian Lowe, have warned that Queensland can expect an increase in severe storms as global temperatures warm. This year, the Sunshine State bore the brunt of weather extremes, with 70 per cent of the state declared a disaster area due to storms, high winds and floods by the end of February. Premier Anna Bligh's state Government subsequently announced a review of Queensland's climate change strategy.Â
Article Continues:http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/storms-brew-in-harshest-climate/1395301.aspx?storypage=0
