The amount of days the Geelong region will experience extreme heat is set to double before the turn of the millenium, according to new figures from the Climate Council.
The organisation has revealed fresh data in the form of a ‘heat map’, showing the Corio electorate is on track to see 20 days a year of 35-plus degree temperatures before 2090, if no action is taken on climate change.
The figure is an increase of 12 days on the current number, while the data suggests the amount of days over 40 degrees will double from five to 10.
The neighbouring Corangamite electorate is also on track to see an increase of nine days a year on average of 35+ degree days.
“This updated heat map tool comes as the world experienced the hottest January on record, right on the heels of 2024 being the hottest year on record globally,” Climate Councillor Professor David Karoly said
“Heat can impact anyone but those over 65 and children under five are most at risk of becoming ill on hot days and during heatwaves.
“As a climate scientist and a grandparent I’m alarmed at the heat our communities are facing if we don’t forge ahead with rapid cuts to climate pollution.
“Even a small increase in the number of hot days or nights can damage our ecosystems and our health.
“For example, Tasmania’s expected increase of an average of just one more day over 35°C would have a major detrimental impact on its coastal rainforests.
“These figures are also average increases, which means there will be some years in which many more extreme hot days are experienced than the projected average number over two decades.”
The figures show if there’s no action to cut back on burning coil, oil and gas, parts of Queensland, WA and the NT will swelter through days over 35 degrees for more than half the year by 2090.
