Perth hit record-breaking temperatures yesterday while tropical cyclone Sean flooded the Pilbara with record rainfall, a stark reminder of the growing climate crisis in WA.
The Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA) has described this as another reminder of why action on climate is so critical as we continue to see more extreme weather events, which are consistent with the ongoing impacts of climate change—and underscore the need for urgent action to halt the expansion of fossil gas projects in our state.
Yesterday, Perth recorded one of its highest-ever temperature, reaching 44 degrees Celsius, a January record. This extreme heat is a clear signal that climate change is here and now. At the same time, Karratha has been hit by unprecedented rainfall, with 270mm of rain falling in less than 24 hours.
In the midst of ongoing marine heatwaves off WA's north west coast, WA is facing multiple climate threats while Los Angeles still reels from the horrific fires that killed dozens and wiped out tens of thousands of homes.
Anna Chapman, the Fossil Fuels Program Manager at the Conservation Council of WA, said:
“These weather extremes offer a taste of our future if we continue to drive climate change by expanding gas extraction and processing.”
“The state government’s continued support for the expansion of fossil fuel projects, including extending the North West Shelf gas processing facility at Woodside’s Burrup Hub, directly contributes to the escalating climate crisis. The pollution generated by gas projects will only exacerbate the extreme weather events we are already witnessing.”
“At this critical juncture, we call on the Western Australian government to reject new fossil fuel developments such as Woodside’s Browse gas proposal, where there are plans to drill 50 gas wells around the pristine Scott Reef. Instead, WA could be a world leader in creating a clean, renewable energy future. It is time to stop fossil gas expansion and start focusing on sustainable, climate-safe energy solutions. Our communities, ecosystems, and future generations depend on it.”