'How hot is hot?" - February's discussion

“How hot is hot?” will be the focus for discussion Beneath the Wisteria in Shepparton on Saturday, February 22.

There is wide public misunderstanding of what global warming means and those who gather on February 22 will discuss the meaning and implications of our changing climate.

Convenor Mr Robert McLean points to our recent bursts of heat and is concerned that many older people wrongly equate 40 degrees Celsius with 100°F claiming that as a kid they lived through many 100 degree days.

“They appear to be unaware that 40°C is actually 104°F and that 43°C, a somewhat common experience recently in the Goulburn Valley, is a nearly 110°F.

“Climatologists are predicting that within a couple of decades, days with temperatures close to 45°C, that’s 113°F, will be relatively common during summer,” Mr McLean said.

He said human survival becomes rather problematic when temperatures are regularly above 40°C.

“That was the situation in the week leading up to the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and the deaths in those from heatstroke far exceeded those of the actual fires,” he said.

Mr McLean point out that not only do humans struggle to survive the markedly increased temperatures, but other species that contribute to humanity’s wellbeing, are also put under severe stress.

Saturday’s Beneath the Wisteria clashes with annual Summer City Market and although the event was moved last year to Queen’s Gardens, Saturday's 11:30am gathering will still be at the northern end of the Maude St Mall.

Some public seating is provided, but those planning to attend are urged to bring a folding chair – it’s free.