"The full scale of the damage will take some time to calculate, as communities have a long clean up ahead and the next devastating flood event or heatwave could be just around the corner."
Professor Karoly said that Victorians have also been left shaken by extreme conditions this week: "Historically, fires have often occurred in Victoria at this time of year but what climate pollution is doing is making rapid, wild swings in conditions more likely. This experience of "climate whiplash" has flung Victorians from one extreme to another, with the state almost simultaneously experiencing heatwaves, fires, storms and flash floods.
"As a Victorian, I'm feeling for those who have lost property or suffered damages from these events. Yet, as a climate scientist I am resolute because I know the solutions are clear. We need to accelerate our switch to renewable energy, battery storage, cleaner transport and manufacturing to slash climate pollution and prevent climate whiplash that's hurling us from one unnatural disaster to another.
