However, by Saturday morning, a significant rainfall and flood emergency was unfolding across a 360 kilometre swathe from Cooktown to Ingham. Already, extreme flood events globally are becoming more regular and their magnitude is breaking many long-term rainfall and river flood records. Since the big Barron River flood in March 1977, considerable residential and commercial development has been permitted across the river’s floodplain. As of this month, a climate emergency had been declared in 2,351 jurisdictions and local government areas around the world. In Australia, local governments should recognise climate change threats and risks by formally declaring a climate emergency.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 18, 2023 12:36 UTC