Past Weather, Future Problems

What if the key to Australia’s climate future is hidden in its past?

When we talk about climate change, we often picture satellites, supercomputers, and graphs stretching into the future. But this week on Science Queeries, we’re turning back the clock, digging into dusty data, early thermometers and rain gauges, handwritten weather diaries, and historical records to understand what’s coming next.

Dr Cat is joined by a climate scientist, Ruchit Kulkarni who’s part historian, part statistician, and part detective. Working at the University of Melbourne and ARC Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, he uncovers how Australia’s past climates help us make sense of today’s extreme weather – especially heatwaves and bushfires.

Explore how historical climate records reveal patterns we can’t see in modern data alone, and how looking back helps us plan for risk. When it comes to preparing for extreme weather, hindsight might just be our most powerful forecasting tool.

*This podcast has been re-uploaded following an audio issue. As much as we want to be vocal about climate change, we don’t want you to have to listen to multiple voices at once. Originally aired 16th December, 2025.

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