A recent study has warned that younger Australians should prepare for larger and more frequent hailstorms in the future. Researchers from UNSW, Dr. Timothy Raupach and Dr. Joanna Aldridge, examined how a potential rise of 2.4 degrees Celsius in global temperatures could impact hailstorms across Australia between 2080 and 2100.

The findings indicated that seasonal hail days could increase by 29 percent around Sydney and Canberra, while Brisbane might see a rise of 15 percent. The average size of hailstones is expected to grow by half a millimeter in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra, with maximum sizes increasing significantly—by up to 7.8 millimeters in Melbourne and 3.9 millimeters in Sydney/Canberra.

Hailstones larger than two centimeters are considered damaging, with predictions suggesting some could reach sizes of five to ten centimeters. These large stones can cause severe damage to roofs and vehicles, posing risks to safety as well.

Data from the Insurance Council of Australia shows that hail has been responsible for over 20 percent of insurance losses from natural disasters since 1967. The researchers emphasized the need for building regulations that account for potential hail damage now rather than waiting until it becomes an even bigger issue.

While this research offers valuable insights into future weather patterns related to climate change, it is still early-stage work requiring further studies for greater accuracy in predictions about these severe weather events.

Original article

The article provides a warning about the potential increase in hailstorms and their severity in Australia due to climate change. It offers actionable information by highlighting the need for building regulations to consider potential hail damage, which is a step that can be taken to mitigate future risks. However, it does not provide specific instructions or a detailed plan for individuals to follow.

Educationally, the article teaches about the potential impact of climate change on weather patterns and the resulting consequences. It explains the research findings and the predicted increase in hailstorm frequency and size, which adds depth to the understanding of this issue. The article also shares historical data on insurance losses, providing context and a broader perspective.

In terms of personal relevance, the topic is highly relevant to Australians, especially those living in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, as it directly impacts their safety, property, and insurance costs. The potential for larger and more frequent hailstones to cause severe damage is a significant concern for homeowners and businesses.

While the article serves a public service function by raising awareness about this issue and its potential consequences, it does not provide emergency contacts or immediate tools for the public to use. It primarily serves as a warning and an educational piece.

The advice given, regarding the need for building regulations, is practical and realistic, as it addresses a potential future problem. However, the article does not offer detailed guidance on how individuals can personally prepare for or mitigate the risks of hailstorms.

In terms of long-term impact, the article highlights the importance of considering future weather patterns and their potential effects on infrastructure and safety. It encourages a proactive approach, which can have lasting benefits for communities.

Psychologically, the article may cause concern or anxiety for some readers, especially those who have experienced hail damage or live in areas prone to severe weather. However, it also provides a sense of preparedness and awareness, which can empower individuals to take action and seek further information.

The language used is not overly dramatic or clickbait-y; instead, it presents the information in a straightforward and factual manner.

A missed opportunity in the article is the lack of specific guidance or resources for individuals to prepare for or cope with hailstorms. It could have included simple steps or tips for homeowners, such as regular roof inspections, investing in hail-resistant materials, or creating an emergency plan. Additionally, providing contact information for relevant organizations or government bodies could have been beneficial.

In summary, the article offers valuable insights and a warning about future weather patterns, but it could have provided more practical guidance and resources for individuals to take action and prepare for potential hailstorm risks.

The study's findings on the potential increase in hailstorms and their severity present a significant challenge to the resilience and well-being of local communities and families. The predicted rise in hailstone size and frequency poses a direct threat to the safety and security of individuals, especially the vulnerable members of society: children and the elderly.

Hailstones of substantial size can cause extensive damage to property, including roofs and vehicles, leading to economic losses and potential displacement. This disruption can strain family resources, forcing them to rely on external support systems, which may weaken the natural bonds of kinship and self-reliance. The study's authors rightly highlight the need for proactive building regulations to mitigate these risks, but this also implies a shift in responsibility from the family to external authorities, potentially diminishing the sense of stewardship and duty that families have towards their own protection and that of their community.

The potential for larger hailstones to cause severe damage also raises concerns about the protection of children and the elderly. While the study does not explicitly address this, the implications are clear: larger hailstones can cause more significant injuries, especially to those who are less mobile or have limited means of protection. This could lead to an increase in injuries and fatalities, which would be a tragic breach of the fundamental duty to protect and care for the most vulnerable members of society.

Furthermore, the economic impact of increased hailstorms could disproportionately affect families, especially those with limited financial means. The need for frequent repairs or replacements of damaged property could strain family budgets, potentially leading to financial hardship and an increased reliance on external aid. This reliance can fracture the sense of community and self-sufficiency, eroding the trust and responsibility that are essential for the survival and prosperity of local clans and neighborhoods.

The study's focus on the future, while valuable for preparedness, also highlights a potential contradiction: while communities are being warned about future risks, they are also being encouraged to rely on external authorities and regulations for protection. This can lead to a sense of disempowerment and a diminished sense of personal responsibility and stewardship. The ancestral principle of survival through daily care and deeds is undermined when communities feel they must wait for external intervention or rely solely on abstract scientific predictions rather than their own observations and actions.

If the ideas and behaviors outlined in the study are left unchecked and become the norm, the consequences for families and communities could be dire. The erosion of local responsibility and the shift towards external dependency could weaken the social fabric, leading to a decline in community trust and a diminished sense of collective survival. The protection of children and the care of elders, which are fundamental to the continuity of the people and the stewardship of the land, could be compromised, leading to a breakdown in the very foundations of society.

In conclusion, while the study provides valuable insights, the potential consequences for local communities and families are grave. It is essential that communities are empowered to take proactive measures, grounded in their own ancestral wisdom and responsibilities, to protect their kin, their land, and their future. The survival and prosperity of the people depend on it.

"The findings indicated that seasonal hail days could increase by 29 percent around Sydney and Canberra, while Brisbane might see a rise of 15 percent."

This sentence uses passive voice to describe the potential increase in hail days. By using "could increase" and "might see a rise," the sentence downplays the certainty of the prediction, making it seem less alarming. The passive construction also hides the agency behind the findings, as it is unclear who or what is responsible for this potential increase. This wording may lead readers to believe that the rise in hailstorms is a natural, inevitable outcome, rather than a consequence of human-induced climate change.

The text primarily conveys a sense of concern and urgency regarding the potential impact of climate change on hailstorms in Australia. This emotion is evident throughout the article, with a focus on the future consequences and the need for immediate action.

The researchers' findings, which predict an increase in both the frequency and severity of hailstorms, evoke a strong sense of worry. Phrases like "larger and more frequent hailstorms," "potential rise of 2.4 degrees Celsius," and "average size of hailstones is expected to grow" all contribute to this feeling of unease. The mention of damaging hailstones, capable of causing severe harm to property and posing risks to safety, further intensifies this emotion.

The inclusion of statistics from the Insurance Council of Australia adds credibility to the concerns raised. By highlighting that hail has been responsible for a significant proportion of insurance losses from natural disasters, the text builds a sense of trust in the researchers' warnings. This strategic use of data serves to emphasize the real-world implications and potential costs associated with these predicted weather patterns.

The emotion of fear is subtly woven into the text to guide the reader's reaction. The researchers' emphasis on the need for building regulations to account for potential hail damage now, rather than later, implies a sense of impending danger. This fear-inducing strategy is designed to motivate readers to take action and advocate for necessary changes.

To persuade readers, the writer employs a range of rhetorical devices. One notable technique is the use of comparative language, such as "seasonal hail days could increase by 29 percent around Sydney and Canberra, while Brisbane might see a rise of 15 percent." This comparison highlights the potential severity of the issue in different regions, drawing attention to the scale of the problem.

Additionally, the writer employs dramatic language to emphasize the size and impact of the predicted hailstones. Phrases like "hailstones larger than two centimeters are considered damaging" and "some could reach sizes of five to ten centimeters" paint a vivid picture of the potential destruction. This emotional appeal is further enhanced by the use of specific measurements, such as "half a millimeter" and "up to 7.8 millimeters," which add a sense of precision and urgency to the message.

By skillfully weaving together emotions of concern, fear, and urgency, and employing persuasive writing techniques, the text effectively guides the reader's reaction and motivates them to consider the potential consequences of climate change on hailstorms in Australia.