Squiz Today Your Shortcut to… the drought in southern Australia
Jun 5, 2025
Southern Australia is grappling with a severe drought that's wreaking havoc on agriculture and the national economy. Farmers face water shortages and skyrocketing feed prices, leading to livestock slaughter. The discussion delves into the climate's role in exacerbating these conditions, including the impacts of El Niño and La Niña. Personal stories highlight the human toll, while calls for better government support resonate. Yet, amid the bleakness, there are glimmers of hope with potential rainfall on the horizon.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Severe Drought's Broad Impact
- Southern Australia is experiencing a severe drought lasting over a year, devastating crops and livestock.
- This drought impacts not only rural areas but also the national economy significantly.
Local View: Dry South Australia
- Alice Dempster describes normally lush dairy and winery regions now looking very dry and summer-like.
- Water is being trucked in and towns are on water restrictions due to the drought.
Why Australia Is Drought-Prone
- Australia's drought vulnerability is due to its position under a subtropical high-pressure belt causing dry, warm weather.
- Southern Australia has become drier over decades, making droughts more frequent and severe.