7am The widening gaps in Albanese’s climate promises
Jun 25, 2025
Climate scientist Joëlle Gergis, an IPCC lead author, shares her firsthand experience with Cyclone Alfred's unexpected reach, revealing how warming oceans are exacerbating cyclones and endangering coral reefs. She reflects on the glaring disconnect between government climate promises and ongoing support for fossil fuel projects. With the climate crisis accelerating, Gergis emphasizes the urgent need for Australia to take bold actions to bridge these widening gaps before the next disaster strikes.
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Scientist's Cyclone Alfred Experience
- Joëlle Gergis experienced Cyclone Alfred directly, with her house not built for such a storm far south of usual cyclone zones.
- She boarded windows with plywood and faced leaking roofs and neighborhood damage from the prolonged Category 1 storm.
Climate Change Shifts Cyclone Patterns
- Warmer ocean temperatures push tropical cyclones further south and prolong their presence.
- Cyclone Alfred's unusual southward drift and slow movement illustrate warming's impact on cyclone behavior.
Ocean Warming Devastates Coral Reefs
- Mass coral bleaching events have damaged 84% of the world's coral reefs due to warming oceans.
- Even resilient reefs like Ningaloo are severely impacted, signaling widespread irreversible damage.