This blog post examines recent public confusion in Australia when an unusually cold winter prompted some to question the reality of climate change. Drawing on an Australian Associated Press (AAP) explainer by Susie Dodds and decades of climate science, I unpack the difference between short-term weather and long-term climate trends.
I also explore why a cold snap in one region does not negate global warming, and what practical steps individuals can take.
Weather vs. climate: the essential distinction
Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions — what you feel day to day — while climate describes long-term patterns across decades or longer.
Confusing a local cold spell with the global trend is a common misunderstanding that undermines informed discussion about climate policy and personal choices.
Why a cold Australian winter is not evidence against global warming
As Susie Dodds explained in an AAP TikTok video, July is mid-winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so cold periods are expected seasonally.
Many Australian homes are poorly insulated, which can make cold snaps feel harsher and more memorable.
That visceral experience of chill does not cancel out the decades of data showing a warming planet.
Global patterns — the broader picture
While Australians were bundling up, parts of the Northern Hemisphere were recording unusually high temperatures.
This simultaneous occurrence highlights a key point: global warming means more energy in the climate system, producing more extremes — both hot and cold, and more volatile weather overall.
What the data tell us
Since about 1850, global climate patterns have moved beyond historical norms.
In recent decades the warming signal has accelerated; the past four decades have seen average temperatures rise roughly 0.4°F per decade.
These are long-term, global changes, not transient local fluctuations.
What’s driving the change?
The primary cause of the observed warming is human activity, especially the combustion of fossil fuels.
Burning coal, oil, and gas releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, amplifying natural processes and intensifying extremes such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heat waves.
Why extremes increase in a warmer world
More heat in the system means more energy available for storms, more moisture in the atmosphere, and greater potential for swings in weather patterns.
Scientists warn that the predictable seasonal rhythms we once relied on become less stable, leading to more unpredictable and chaotic weather.
Practical actions and public education
As Dodds emphasized, education and simple actions matter.
Understanding the difference between weather and climate helps people respond constructively rather than dismissively.
Small changes across millions of households add up.
Simple, practical steps for individuals:
- Upgrade home insulation and seal drafts to reduce energy use.
- Switch to energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting.
- Reduce unnecessary heating and cooling through smart thermostats.
- Support clean transport options and reduce fossil-fuel vehicle use.
These actions lower household emissions, save money, and reduce pressure on energy systems.
Final thoughts from three decades in the field
After 30 years working in climate science and communication, I can confirm that isolated cold spells are not a reason to doubt the science.
Climate change is a global, long-term crisis driven largely by human activity.
Its effects will be felt in more frequent and severe extremes.
The best response combines clear education, community engagement, and practical measures to reduce emissions now.
Here is the source article for this story: Expert dismantles myth about cold weather: ‘That’s exactly what scientists have been warning us about’