READERS of the Sentinel will be aware of the damage at the Inverloch Surf Beach over five days in late August and early September. It was an unprecedented weather event, seeing intense wave energy over a long period of time. It is estimated that around 40,000m3 of sand was swept away from a one-kilometre section between the SLSC and the Ozone Street access track. The beach level lowered by up to 1.8 metres and up to 14 metres of dunes were lost.
This event is an example of the impact of warming oceans and a warmer atmosphere on our weather. The cost of managing the consequences of erosion at the Inverloch Surf Beach runs into millions of dollars.
Another fire season looms, starting earlier each year. Broken Hill was forced to run generators after they lost power and phone reception after wild weather. Floods in Spain caused over 200 deaths and infrastructure damage.
The scientific consensus is that human activities, especially greenhouse gas emissions, are the primary cause of global warming since the mid-20th century.
Surely, we should be preparing so that another firestorm doesn’t mean people being evacuated by the army, as happened in Mallacoota? Serious money needs to be spent on emergency services, back-up infrastructure and flood mitigation measures, so more lives aren’t lost. Regions of Australia will soon be unliveable due to extreme heat.
At the same time, millions of Australians are reducing their emissions and enjoying the benefits of renewable energy.
The Albanese government approved three new coal mines in September, while fracking is now allowed in the Northern Territory, threatening First Nations land and water security.
Because of the government’s “sit on our hands” policies, pandering to the fossil fuel lobby, local people are compelled to act.
A group of us, young and old, will be catching the train to the Rising Tide blockade of the world’s biggest coal port in Newcastle on November 23rd and 24th.
Are you with us?
Jessica Harrison, Wonthaggi
