Bushfires have had severe impacts in Queensland, encompassing loss of life (human, other animal, forest), ecological damage, and large economic costs.
Climate change is having an impact on the frequency and severity of dangerous fire-weather conditions. Analysis of the long-term changes in fire-weather conditions for Queensland between 1950 and 2018* confirm higher temperatures, less rain in most parts of the state and longer, earlier fire seasons.
Annually averaged maximum temperatures have risen for most of the state.
While annual rainfall has risen over most of Queensland’s far-west and far-north, it has declined elsewhere, particularly on the east coast.
Days with predicted ‘very high’ fire danger conditions are increasing across the state, particularly in the south.
Fire seasons are starting earlier and, in some cases, finishing later.
Changes have been more rapid in recent decades (1989–2018).
Climate change projections suggest that these observed trends are likely to continue.
