Climate change could rob Melbourne of its beloved comedy festival, one of Australia's best-known stand-up comedians says.
Rod Quantock says the art of making people laugh is part of Melbourne's identity, but global warming could see off the fun.
"Because of climate change, in 25 years, we won't have a comedy festival," Quantock said.
"The money that we need for comedy festival will be needed for solving the problems of the next cyclone or the next bushfire or the next flood."
Quantock was joined by 24 other comedians for the launch of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival's 25th anniversary at the Arts Centre Spiegeltent on Friday.
"People around the world see Melbourne as a comedy capital," the pioneer of Melbourne's comedy scene said.
"They don't see it as an acting capital or ballet capital ... Melbourne is comedy."
This year's festival will have more than 1000 performers will take part in 363 events at 123 venues, running from March 30 to April 24.
It will include an expanded free family program funded by the Victorian government - outdoor physical comedy-themed `the Very Big Laugh Out' - in the City Square, Federation Square and Yarra Terrace.
The festival attracts visitors from all over the world.
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