Deadly heatwaves and ranging wildfires in the northern hemisphere come as no surprise to climate experts.

Soaring temperatures have killed 119 in Japan, and 29 in South Korea.

Meanwhile, nearly a hundred have died in wildfires in California and Greece.

Victoria University climate scientist, Professor James Renwick told Kate Hawkesby greenhouse gas emissions are taking their toll.

"This increase in extreme events high temperatures, fires, heavy rainfall is exactly what we have been expecting for many years now."

Renwick says it is still not too late to turn things around.

"We can make changes to energy production and transport and so on, use more renewable's and that would have a big effect on the climate."

LISTEN ABOVE AS JAMES RENWICK TALKS TO KATE HAWKESBY