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//__**Predictions**__//

dramatically over recent decades.

The average temperature over most of Australia is expected to rise up to two degrees by 2030 and up to six degrees by 2070, while the number of very hot days is expected to soar. Canberra is predicted to average up to 30 days over 35º by 2070, compared to four days now [|(5)]. Extreme summer heat can be lethal, as shown by the 35,000 fatalities of the 2003 European heatwave. Australia, already the world's driest continent, is becoming dryer still. The 2002 drought was the first where the impact of human-induced global warming could be clearly observed, according to Australian meteorologist Dr. David Karoly. Heat and dryness also set the stage for bushfires which burned for 59 days during January and February of 2003 (6). CSIRO predicts significantly decreased rainfall for much of Australia, declining up to 60% by 2070 in the south-west. Perth's surface water supply has already decreased by 42% since the mid-1970s in response to a 15-20% decrease in rainfall -- a change scientists have linked to global warming (7).

Russia comparison picture- before- clean, after- bushfires pollute air

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