- Australia's northeastern region of Queensland is experiencing unprecedented heat waves and record-breaking wildfires.
- For the first time in history, fire danger in Queensland has been rated "catastrophic,"
- "We have never, ever, in this state, been in this situation before," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Katarina Carroll
- Extreme weather brings the devastating impact of human-caused climate change into focus.
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Record-breaking fires have reached 'catastrophic' levels across northern Australia, sending thousands fleeing from their homes
Extreme weather is bringing the devastating impact of human-caused climate change into focus.
Australia's northeastern Queensland region is experiencing unprecedented heat waves and record-breaking wildfires.
For the first time in history, the fire danger in
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According to Axios, the threat level remains dire, as nearly 140 wildfires ripped through the area on Thursday.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services commissioner Katarina Carrolltold AP Wednesday that extreme weather was "uncharted waters" for the region.
"We have never, ever, in this state, been in this situation before," she said.
Northern areas of Queensland, like popular tourist spot Cairns, hit record temperatures upwards of 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Friday, for the third day in a row. A
Queensland's Bureau od Meterology said Friday afternoon that the heatwave would
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Authorities and scientists are warning that much of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living ecosystem on earth, could be significantly damaged due to the region's extreme weather.
Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes over the last few days, as fires continue to spread. Residents of Gracemere were told to evacuate on Wednesday, the Guardian reported, while communities near Mackay were alerted of the fire dangers on Thursday. Many people have sought shelter in nearby Rockhampton.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pledged f
Extreme heat has become more frequent across the globe, shattering records and causing devastating fires across major cities. In July, a state of emergency
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Extreme weather brings the devastating impact of human-led climate change into focus. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the 20 warmest years ever recorded were in the past 22 years. The four warmest have been the past four years.
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