Climate change and the perception of flood risk

Abstract

Historically, Queensland has had a variable climate. Recent reports have suggested that the state is facing growing risks from extreme weather events, thanks to anthropogenic climate change (Queensland Government 2011b), with inland flooding one of the more serious adverse consequences of climate change. Queensland experienced a series of major natural disasters during the summer of 2010–2011 (December–February) when more than 78% of the state was declared a disaster zone (Queensland Government 2012a). The most destructive floods hit SEQ during 10–12 January 2011, resulting in the second highest flood in Brisbane since the beginning of the 20th century.