The science is settled: climate change, driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas, is increasing the frequency and intensity of short-duration, heavy rain events, and increasing the risk of flash flooding – just like the catastrophic events we are seeing play out right now in NSW and Queensland.
These flood events have major impacts on the health of communities in affected areas. For example, last Wednesday it was a fully-booked day at my medical practice in Western Sydney, but with the key thoroughfares of the Richmond and Windsor bridges both flooded, patients’ appointments were cancelled as access was cut off and flood waters prevented some from leaving their homes.
