The Squiz 

While most Aussies are still taking shelter under the doona, experts have confirmed the world has just experienced its hottest ever day. The average global temperature hit 17.09C on Sunday due to heatwaves in the US/Europe, just pipping the 17.08C record set in July last year. And while that might not seem like much, scientists say what matters more is the trend – that the world’s gotten hotter for the last 13 months. Europe’s climate service is Copernicus, and its boss Carlo Buontempo says “we are now in truly uncharted territory” and the world is “bound to see new records being broken in future months and years”. 

What does it mean? 

Well, some scientists calculate this adds up to a 92% chance that 2024 will top 2023 as the hottest year on record. And they reckon that will mean more bushfires, heat-related illnesses/death, and tourism becoming harder in the hottest months. Taking a holiday in warm weather might be one thing, but climate expert Bharat Venkat reckons it’s more about the “massive readjustments in the way in which we live our lives”, like not being able to take the dog for a walk because the pavement’s too scorching. And while Australia’s got plenty of experience with brutal summer weather, this week’s update from the BOM still has us on La Nina (aka the wet one) watch for this spring. 

So it’s too early to pack away the jumpers? 

Sure is – especially if you live in the southern half of the country… In fact, our national energy regulator AEMO says there’s been record demand for electricity this autumn/winter and the recent cold snap has led to a 20% decrease in wind power. That’s meant we’ve been forced to rely on gas-fired power generation to get us through, which has seen electricity prices spiking 23% higher than the same time last year. Someone doing better off the back of renewables is our own head of state – aka King Charles – with his investments in offshore wind farms proving super savvy. The latest report from the Crown estate – shows its property portfolio is now worth $2.1 billion – more than doubling in value in just a year. Nice work, KC…