Australian Heatwave – The Silent Apocalypse

Duffy sits in his lounger. The blinds are closed. The air conditioner sits idle as the power is out again. The temperature has hit 110 degrees for the fifth day in a row. His only relief comes from an ice-packed cooler by his side. Alcohol is no good for this heat but the brewskies help him tolerate the tortuous dry heat. He drifts in and out of restless sleep wondering and praying,  ”When will this heatwave end?”  

Australia is a continent of contrasts. All the waters of the oceans pass around this island nation. Yet, Australia has one of the driest overall climates. It is no wonder that human population is thickest along its vast coastline.

January, 2009 brought the worst heatwave southeastern Australia has seen in over 100 years. The drought is the worst in 150 years. Reservoir reserves are dangerously low. Bush fires are taking over homes and whole towns. The experts predict these conditions will only increase in frequency and intensity as global warming takes affect. The silent apocalypse has descended.

Residents and farmers are being offered incentives to relocate to the northern subtropical regions as local water supplies dwindle and prices skyrocket. It is estimated that one in four farms will fail due to water shortages. Forced water rationing is causing hoarding. Officials are scrambling to find solutions as climate changes are affecting the quality of life.