“I am overwhelmed by the ferocity.” What is happening around the world right now is exactly what scientists expect. No one wants to be right about this. But to be honest, I am overwhelmed by the ferocity of the impacts we are currently experiencing. I am truly afraid of the devastation that El Niño will bring. As the situation worsens, it makes me wonder how I can be most useful at a time like this. Do I try to continue my research career or do I spend even more time warning the public? The pressure and anxiety of overcoming an escalating crisis is taking its toll on many of us.

(Dr Joëlle Gergis, Associate Professor in Climate Science, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Associate Researcher, ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, Australian National University, The Guardian)