While an extreme heatwave has gripped south-east Australia for a few days, a light breeze is coming. The Guardian reports that temperatures will drop in Victoria and South Australia in the next few days.
An extreme heatwave sizzled most of south-eastern Australia over the weekend, which continued on Monday.
The mercury topped temperatures of 40 degrees. Local news authority ABC News reports that the four-day heatwave broke several records. In some places, the temperatures exceeded the peak of summer.
Local authorities even recorded the hottest night in 112 years in Hobart due to the blazing sun.
Delivery drivers warned to monitor for heatstroke
Being on the road during these extreme weather conditions, making deliveries either in a van, bike, or on foot, can result in long hours of exposure to the sun. Authorities and outdoor experts are warning citizens to be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke.
While older people, young people, and pregnant women are more at risk, there are warnings that a heatstroke could affect anybody. Suffering from a heat stroke can trigger a heart attack or lung disease.
A heatstroke is life-threatening and requires immediate help from a medical professional.
Can we talk about climate change?
Many people on social media question whether these extreme weather conditions are related to climate change. As the seasons change and temperatures soar, experts wonder if there is a global shift in climate.
While Australia is battling a heatwave, climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, protested in front of the Swedish parliament yesterday. Associated Press reports that the group advocates for sweeping reform to tackle climate disasters.
The group of protesters sat in front of the entrances and main doorway in an attempt to block lawmakers from entering the premises.
Protestors accused fossil fuel companies of “deliberately slowing global energy transition to renewables” in the interest of profiteering.
Climate change a ticking timebomb
A UN report, confirmed with NASA, states that “human activities, through emissions of greenhouse gases,” have caused global warming. This results in temperatures increasing beyond what has been experienced before.
Climate change can affect more than three billion people if left unchecked. This could be “extreme weather events” to anything from food insecurity and water shortages.
The supply chain, logistics, and delivery sectors also contribute to a large carbon footprint. Transport and Environment reports that the shipping industry is the backbone of international trade. “But the industry is also very carbon intensive, responsible for roughly 3% of global emissions – the same as flying.” Most of the shipping emissions take place on the open seas.
Industry gurus like supply chain expert Sofia Rivas Herrera told Locate2u in a recent interview that it’s hard to ensure the entire industry’s standards improve with a lack of legislation to hold companies accountable.
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About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand. Do you have a story you would like her to expose, report on, or consider? Please send your request to Newsdesk@locate2u.com.
