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  • New South Wales Climate change impacts in NSW.

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    New South Wales Climate change impacts in NSW.

    Potential impacts and costs

    Around 7.2 million people, 32 per cent of Australia’s population, live in NSW. With large population centres clustered along the coastline and important agricultural and tourism industries in regional centres, NSW is highly vulnerable to a changing climate.

    The following information highlights some of the potential impacts and costs to the state’s industries, infrastructure, environment and people from climate change.

    Coastal zone

    Between 43,900 and 65,300 residential buildings, with a current value of between $14 billion and $20 billion may be at risk of inundation from a sea level rise of 1.1 metres. A 1.1 metre sea level rise will also put at risk up to 4,800 km of NSW roads, up to 320 km of NSW railways, and up to 1200 commercial buildings. These assets have an estimated value of up to $10.4 billion, $1.3 billion and $9 billion respectively.

    Local government areas of Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Rockdale represent over 50 per cent of the residential buildings at risk in NSW.

    Global sea levels increased by 1.7 millimetres per year over the 20th century. Over the past 15 years, this trend has increased to approximately 3.2 millimetres per year. This rate varies significantly around Australia. Since the early 1990s, NSW has experienced sea level rise of approximately 2.1 millimetres per year.

    In 2009, the Australian Government produced the report, Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts, followed in 2011 by an update to this report entitled Climate Change Risks to Coastal Buildings and Infrastructure. For a visualisation of the potential sea level rise, the department has also produced a series of maps available at www.ozcoasts.org.au.

    Water supply

    Modelling for the Sydney Water Balance Project has found that there may be a decrease in annual rainfall and runoff in the inland catchments and minor increases in the coastal catchments by 2030. Climate change is also likely to result in an increase in evaporation throughout the catchments, with the Sydney Water Balance Project predicting up to a 22 per cent increase in pan-evaporation in inland catchments and a 9 per cent increase in coastal catchments by 2070.

    Extreme events

    In Sydney extreme heat days of over 35 degrees Celsius are likely to increase from 3.5 days per year currently experienced to up to 12 days by 2070 without global action to reduce emissions.

    Climate change is also expected to contribute to an increase in the number of extreme bushfire days in parts of NSW. In the Sydney region the number of extreme fire danger days could rise from the current 9 days per year to as many as 15 in 2050. Research suggests that by 2020 fire seasons will start earlier and end slightly later, while being generally more intense throughout their length, with these changes becoming more pronounced by 2050.

    An increase in mean temperatures and a decrease in rainfall and relative humidity will likely amplify the fire danger in south eastern forests, with increased fire frequency and extent of area burned.

    Human health

    As the number of days above 35 degrees Celsius increases and heatwaves become more frequent, more people are likely to suffer heat-related illnesses and death, with the elderly particularly vulnerable. An estimated 176 people aged 65 and over die each year in Sydney from heat-related deaths (1997-1999 average). This could potentially rise to 417 people a year by 2020 and up to 1312 by 2050.

    The population of NSW is more susceptible to cold-related deaths than heat-related deaths. As such, the total temperature-related deaths are projected to be up to 1,906 in 2100 with no mitigation, compared to 2754 in a world with no human-induced climate change.

    Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and Murray Valley Encephalitis, can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses. Under moderately warmer and wetter climate conditions, there may be an increase in the prevalence of some mosquito-borne diseases in some parts of NSW.

    Other climate change related health risks relevant to NSW include the impact of severe weather events including bushfires, food-borne infectious diseases, increases in air pollution and mental health consequences. The adverse health impacts of climate change will be greatest among people on lower incomes, the elderly and the sick.

    Natural environments

    The Australian Alps, which are home to vulnerable alpine flora and fauna, are highly susceptible to warming. Under an extreme emissions scenario with increased warming and decreased rainfall, the length of the snow season may decrease by up to 96 per cent by 2050. Species such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum that occupy habitat at the highest elevations and in the coldest environments will have nowhere to retreat as the climate warms. A 1 degree Celsius temperature rise could dramatically decrease the entire climatic habitat of the Mountain Pygmy Possum.

    It is predicted that climate change could impact on Lord Howe Island by increasing the altitude of the cloud layer through rising sea surface temperatures. This would constitute a major climate related threat to the plant communities of Lord Howe Island. This cloud layer provides a source of precipitation and maintains the humidity required by about 86 per cent of the island’s endemic plant species, including the dwarf mossy forest that dominates the summit of the peaks on the Island. Seabirds may also be at risk from changes in the abundance and distribution of marine food caused by climate change in combination with other threats, such as intensive fishing activities.

    In the greater Blue Mountains region of NSW, more variable rainfall, drought and strong winds, in combination with highly flammable vegetation are likely to create ideal conditions for extreme and more frequent fire behaviour. Many eucalypt species require fire-free periods of six years or more to ensure their survival and as such changed forest fire regimes may result in the irreversible loss of some species and have severe impacts for fauna throughout the region.

    Agriculture

    Agriculture plays an important role in the NSW economy. Potential changes in climate may reduce productivity and output in agricultural industries in the medium to long term through higher temperatures, reduced rainfall and extreme weather events.

    The gross value of NSW agriculture production in 2009-10 was $8.4 billion. ABARE modelling in 2007 estimates the following declines in agricultural production for NSW compared to a compared to a world with no human-induced climate change.

    Approximate decline in production by 2030 and 2050
    Approximate decline in production by 2030 (%) Approximate decline in production by 2050 (%)
    Wheat 8.4 11.6
    Beef 0.7 3.0
    Sheep meat 8.1 13.2
    Dairy 5.5 11.3

    Adaptation

    Given the state’s high vulnerability to projected climate change, it is important that appropriate actions are taken by government, businesses, communities and individuals to ensure effective adaptation is possible in a changing environment.

       

  • Northern Territory Climate change impacts in the NT.

    Northern Territory Climate change impacts in the NT.

    Potential impacts and costs

    The Northern Territory is the least populous of Australia’s states and territories, home to 1 per cent of Australia’s population. Of the 230,000 people living in the NT, the majority of people live in Darwin. There are numerous remote settlements and approximately 31 per cent of all Indigenous Australians live in the Northern Territory.

    The Northern Territory has two distinct climate zones. The Top End, including Darwin, has a tropical climate with high humidity and two seasons, the wet season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October). By contrast, the central region of the Territory, including Alice Springs and the Uluru National Park, is semi-arid.

    Projected changes in climate conditions may affect natural systems and human settlements in the NT. The following information highlights potential impacts and costs to the Northern Territory’s industries, environment and people from climate change.

    Coastal zone

    Climate change will lead to sea level rise and potentially greater storm surges which will impact on coastal settlements, infrastructure and ecosystems. Between 260 and 370 residential buildings, with a current value of between $100 million and $134 million may be at risk of inundation from a sea level rise of 1.1 metres. A 1.1 metre sea level rise will also put 2045 kilometres of the NT’s roads, up to 24 commercial buildings and 32km of railways at risk. These assets have an estimated value of up to $1.8 billion, $500 million and $100 million respectively.

    Darwin is particularly vulnerable to riverine flooding and more intense cyclonic activity. Impacts on infrastructure are expected to be extreme under a ‘business as usual’ climate scenario, including major threats to vital port infrastructure on the NT coast.

    Global sea levels increased by 1.7 millimetres per year over the 20th century. Over the past 15 years, this trend has increased to approximately 3.2 millimetres per year. This rate varies significantly around Australia. Since the early 1990s northern Australia has experienced increases of up to 7.1 millimetres per year.

    In 2009, the Australian Government produced the report Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coasts, followed in 2011 by an update to this report entitled Climate Change Risks to Coastal Buildings and Infrastructure. These reports provide information on sea level rise in Australia.

    Extreme events

    In Darwin the number of days over 35 degrees Celsius is expected to increase from 11 per year currently experienced to up to 69 by 2030 and up to 308 by 2070 without global action to reduce emissions. Coupled with the extremely high humidity that Darwin experiences during the wet season, higher temperatures are expected to adversely affect levels of human comfort.

    In Alice Springs, the number of hot days over 35 degrees Celsius is expected to increase from 90 per year currently experienced to up to 182 by 2070 without global action to reduce emissions.

    Projections indicate there may be an increase in the proportion of tropical cyclones in the more intense categories, with a decrease in the total number of cyclones. For example, the number of category 3 to 5 cyclones is projected to increase, and by 2030 there may be a 60 per cent increase in intensity of the most severe storms, and a 140 per cent increase by 2070.

    Human health

    It is predicted that without mitigation there may be as many as 407 temperature-related deaths in the NT by 2100 compared to 61 in a world with no human induced climate change. In Darwin, an estimated 2 people aged over 65 years die each year from heat-related deaths (1997-1999 average). This could potentially rise to between 37 and 126 each year by 2050.

    The NT is also highly receptive to the establishment of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, which can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses. Under moderately warmer and wetter climate conditions, combined with changes in water storage practices such as an increase in the establishment of water tanks under increasing drought conditions, there may be an increase in the prevalence of some mosquito-borne diseases in some parts of the NT.

    Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall variation may also increase the occurrence of food and water-borne diseases.

    Natural environments

    Tourism is a major industry and employment sector for the NT and is largely focused on the natural environments. In 2010, 1.3 million people visited the NT and spent over $1.4 billion. Tourism is estimated to contribute around 10 per cent to the NT economy.

    Some of the most visited iconic sites, such as the Kakadu National Park, are under threat from the impacts of climate change.

    In 2011, the Australian Government released the report Kakadu: Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts which outlines the impacts of climate change to this important area.

    The lowland parts of Kakadu are vulnerable to changed salinity as a result of sea level rise and saline intrusion into groundwater. Current projections are that sea level around Kakadu will rise by at least 8 centimetres and by up to 30 centimetres by 2030.

    Rising sea levels will have severe impacts given the wetland system of Kakadu is contingent on a delicately balanced interaction between its freshwater and marine environments. Fundamental changes in ecological function of the national park will place severe pressure on many species of both plants and animals.

    Salt water intrusion into the Kakadu wetlands over the past 50 years has resulted in the tidal range of creeks moving four kilometres inland in the East Alligator River catchment, and significantly increased the area of bare and saline mudflats, killing two-thirds of the Melaleuca forest.

    Melaleuca swamp forests are important roosting habitats for many waterbirds, and are also utilised by aquatic fauna for spawning. A decrease in this habitat will have negative impacts on such species.

    Agriculture

    Climate change is likely to put at risk agricultural production, particularly beef production in the NT. The NT had an estimated meat cattle population of around 1.7 million in 2009. Potential changes in the climate could reduce beef production by 19.5 per cent by 2030 and by 33.2 per cent by 2050. Climate change may also exacerbate the impacts of heat stress and cattle ticks on beef production.

    Adaptation

    Given the Northern Territory’s high vulnerability to projected climate change, it is important that appropriate actions are taken by government, businesses, communities and individuals to ensure effective adaptation is possible in a changing environment.

       

  • Climate Futures TASMANIA

    Climate Futures

     

    Climate change is a feature of the 21st century. Making sensible choices on how we can adapt to climate change hinges on understanding what changes are likely, where they are likely, and when they will start to have a significant impact.

    ACE has developed world class climate science and modelling capability through its Climate Futures for Tasmania project. The project is possible with support through funding and research of a consortium of national and Tasmanian state partners.

    Climate Futures uses sophisticated climate modelling techniques and current knowledge to describe the most likely future climate scenarios for the state of Tasmania. The data generated better represents Tasmania’s geography and its effect on the local climate. The climate projections are computer-simulated and produce data to use in decision-making processes. Climate Futures interprets climate projections at a local scale, so that communities, industries and individuals can use information in their local planning and adaptation actions.

    The Climate Futures project details the general impacts of climate change in Tasmania over the 21st century, with a description of past and present climate and projections for the future.  It also looks at the impacts in the applied areas of water and catchments, assessing how water will flow through various Tasmanian water catchments and into storage reservoirs under different climate scenarios; and agriculture, assessing specific climate indicators most important for productivity in several key agricultural groups.  Finally, working with emergency service agencies, the project identifies the climate variables of greatest concern to emergency managers.

     

    View: Dr Tony Press discusses the Climate Futures project

     

    Projects and project leaders

    ·     Climate Futures for Tasmania: Professor Nathan Bindoff

     

    Read the Reports: download the full technical reports and their companion summaries:

    Climate Modelling technical report, summary

    General Climate Impacts technical report, summary

    Impacts on Agriculture technical report, summary

    Water and Catchments technical report, summary

    Extreme Events technical report, summary

    Severe Wind Hazard and Risk technical report

    Extreme Tides and Sea-Level Events technical report

    Our Partners: Find out more about our partners: Climate Futures for Tasmania is possible with support through funding and research of a consortium of state and national partners.

    Download: Contacts for Climate Futures for Tasmania

    Research Utilisation

    Data are being made available to many sectors of the community including state and local government, emergency services, water authorities, power companies, farmers, graziers, fruit growers, vignerons and researchers. The project scientists interpret these data to assist decision making, and the data are distributed in a format that assists their incorporation into decision-making and planning systems. The project will also provide an accessible basis for subsequent climate change research by archiving fine-scale climate model outputs for the entire state of Tasmania. ACE commercial participants use the Climate Futures data set to develop specific commercial products, for example a tool that identifies and communicates the risks that climate change poses for infrastructure.

     

    Climate change commentator Peter Boyer writes about the project here

     

    News story: Climate Futures research put to work

     

    News story: Research shines a light on new agricultural landscape

     

    News story: Rivers and catchments will change with the climate

     

    News story: New research projects increase in extreme weather events

  • Climate change impacts in Queensland’s regions

    Climate change impacts in Queensland’s regions

    Changes in the climate will affect Queensland’s regions in different ways. Early planning and preparation for these changes will help build regional communities to potential future impacts.

    In August 2009, the first set of regional climate change summaries was released to assist local government, business, industries, and the community prepare for future variability. Key findings from the regional summaries were that:

    • South East Queensland should prepare for challenges such as water shortages due to drier and warmer conditions
    • A rise in sea levels is likely to place coastal regions at increased risk of inundation, erosion, and damage to buildings and infrastructure
    • Far North Queensland is likely to experience fewer but more intense rainfall events and tropical cyclones

    Central-west and south-western Queensland are projected to experience the greatest warming and a strong decline in rainfall.

    Regional summaries

    Climate Commission: The Critical Decade – Queensland climate impacts and opportunities

    • Information on climate change impacts on Queensland’s agricultural, tourism, property and lifestyle are covered in the Climate Commission’s 2012 Queensland reportExternal link icon ( http://climatecommission.gov.au/report/queensland-climate-impacts-opportunities/ )

    CSIRO’s Queensland’s biodiversity under climate change: impacts and adaptation – synthesis report

    • This 2012 reportExternal link icon ( http://www.csiro.au/Organisation-Structure/Flagships/Climate-Adaptation-Flagship/Queensland-biodiversity-under-climate-change.aspx ) is a synthesis of the existing scientific research on climate change impacts and the adaptation options for terrestrial, freshwater aquatic, coastal and marine biodiversity, it’s ecosystems and the services they provide. The report summarises the different ways climate change is likely to affect biodiversity ecosystems, and ecosystem services in Queensland.

    * Requires Adobe Reader ( http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/help/pdf.html )

    Last updated
    23 April 2013

  • Victoria Climate change impacts in Vic.

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    Victoria Climate change impacts in Vic.

    Potential impacts and costs

    Victoria is Australia’s smallest yet most densely populated and urbanised mainland state. It is the second most populous Australian state with approximately 5.6 million people. Melbourne is Victoria’s largest city, home to more than 4 million people.

    Victoria contains many diverse environmental regions, ranging from the wet, temperate climate of Gippsland in the south-east to the snow-covered alpine areas in the north-east. There are also extensive semi-arid plains to the west and north-west of the state.

    The following information highlights some of the potential impacts and costs to the state’s industries, infrastructure, environment and people from climate change.

    Coastal zone

    Climate change will lead to sea level rise which will impact on coastal settlements, infrastructure and ecosystems. Between 31,000 and 48,000 residential buildings, with a current value of between $8 billion and $11 billion may be at risk of inundation from a sea level rise of 1.1 metres. A 1.1 metre sea level rise will also put up to 3500 kilometres of Victoria’s roads, up to 125 kilometres of railways and up to 2000 commercial buildings at risk. These assets have an estimated value of up to $9.8 billion, $500 million and $12 billion respectively.

    Global sea levels increased by 1.7 millimetres per year over the 20th century. Over the past 15 years, this trend has increased to approximately 3.2 millimetres per year. This rate varies significantly around Australia. Since the early 1990s, the Victorian coast has experienced increases of between 2.6 and 2.8 millimetres per year.

    In 2009, the Australian Government produced the report, Climate change risks to Australia’s coasts, followed in 2011 by an update to this report entitled Climate change risks to coastal buildings and infrastructure. For a visualisation of the potential sea level rise, the department has also produced a series of maps.

    Water supply

    Much of Victoria lies within the Murray Darling Basin region where climate change is likely to have serious impacts on water resources. Projections indicate a 13 per cent reduction in average surface water availability in the south of the Murray Darling Basin as a median outcome by 2030. The reduction would be greatest in the south-east where the majority of runoff is generated and where the impacts of climate change are expected to be greatest.

    In Melbourne the average long-term stream flow into water supply catchments could be reduced by up to 11 per cent by 2020, and as much as 35 per cent by 2050.

    Extreme events

    The average annual number of days above 35 degrees Celsius is likely to increase from 9 days currently experienced in Melbourne to up to 26 days by 2070 without global action to reduce emissions. In Mildura, days above 35 degrees Celsius may increase from 32 days currently to 76 days under the same scenario.

    Parts of Victoria are likely to experience increased bushfire risk due to higher temperatures and drier conditions. For example, in Bendigo the number of days experiencing high or extreme fire weather is predicted to increase from 18 days to 30 days annually by 2050, and Mildura is expected to face up to 107 days of very high or extreme fire risk by 2050, up from 80 days currently experienced.

    Human health

    As the number of very hot days (above 35 degrees Celsius) increases and heatwaves become more frequent, more people may suffer heat-related illnesses and death, with the elderly particularly vulnerable. An estimated 289 people aged 65 and over die annually in Melbourne from heat-related deaths (1997-1999 average). This could potentially rise to between 566 and 604 a year by 2020, and between 980 to 1318 by 2050.

    The population of Victoria is more susceptible to cold-related deaths than heat related deaths. As such the total number of temperature-related deaths are projected to be up to 1164 in the year 2100 with no mitigation, compared to 1966 in a world with no human induced climate change.

    During the January 2009 heatwave there were 374 more deaths (an increase of 62 per cent) than would be expected based on the average over the previous five years, with the greatest number of deaths occurring in people 75 years or older.

    Natural environments

    Victoria’s unique alpine ecosystems host a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered. Species such as the Mountain Pygmy Possum that occupy habitat at the highest elevations and in the coldest environments will have nowhere to retreat as the climate warms. A 1°C temperature rise could dramatically decrease the entire climatic habitat of this small mammal.

    A reduced snow cover of 10 to 40 per cent relative to 1990 by 2020 is projected, which would have significant consequences for alpine tourism in Victoria. Alpine resorts are economic drivers for surrounding communities and a reduced ski season and diminished snow cover is likely to have negative economic impacts for the Australian ski industry.

    Under an extreme emissions scenario with increased warming and decreased rainfall, the length of the snow season may decrease by up to 96 per cent by 2050, with a dramatic reduction in snow depth. Snow cover at Mt Hotham (where the highest elevation is 1882 metres) could reduce from 129 days currently down to between 21 and 114 days by 2050.

    The Little Penguins found on Phillip Island have been shown to be particularly vulnerable to fire over the past few years. In coastal regions, misty rain or fog following long spells of hot, dry and dusty weather can result in the ignition of power pole cross arms, due to a build-up of salt and dust on the insulators. The red-hot salt crust can fall from the pole and ignite vegetation at its base. In recent years a number of such fires have occurred on Phillip Island, resulting in death or injury of a large number of penguins. Increased occurrence of hot, dry and dusty weather is projected for the future and may result in increased fire-related risk of Little Penguin death and injury on Phillip Island.

    Agriculture

    Potential changes in climate may reduce productivity and output of Victoria’s agricultural industries in the medium to long term.

    While wheat producers may benefit from carbon dioxide fertilisation with modest levels of warming, yields are likely to decline under more extreme warming scenarios. For example, in the region of Birchip, yields may drop by more than 20 per cent by 2100 in the absence of mitigation.

    ABARE modelling (2007) estimates the following declines in agricultural production for Victoria compared to a world with no human-induced climate change.

    Approximate decline in production by 2030 and 2050
    Approximate decline in production by 2030 (%) Approximate decline in production by 2050 (%)
    Wheat 9.6 13.4
    Beef 2.4 6.5
    Sheep 7.1 12.9
    Dairy 4.6 10.0

    Adaptation

    Given the state’s high vulnerability to projected climate change, it is important that appropriate actions are taken by government, businesses, communities and individuals to ensure effective adaptation is possible in a changing environment.

     

       

  • WA beaches, parks, to ‘disappear’ by 2100

    WA beaches, parks, to ‘disappear’ by 2100

    Date
    May 24, 2011

    Courtney Trenwith

    Perth's waterfront areas face a perilous future if sea-level rise forecasts come true.Perth’s waterfront areas face a perilous future if sea-level rise forecasts come true.

    The Kwinana Freeway and Perth’s riverside roads will flood every two weeks and parks and beaches including Cottesloe will disappear by 2100, according to sea-level rise predictions released by the federal government’s Climate Commissioner yesterday.

    The commission’s report The Critical Decade has found sea levels around Australia’s west and far north have risen the most, with an eight millimetre rise recorded since the early 1990s.

    We’re predicting that it will start having an effect in the next 30-40 years. We have to do something about it.

    The figure is much higher than the United Nations’ 2007 forecast of 59 centimetres but below the 0.9-1.6 metres predicted by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program earlier this month.

    Professor Chari Pattiaratchi from the University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute said a sea level rise of one metre by 2100 was now the accepted measurement among climate change scientists.

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    Such a rise would have profound impacts on the tidal range along the West Australian coast. Each centimetre of sea-level rise causes approximately one metre of beach erosion, meaning that the coastline can be expected to move 100 metres inland.

    “Our tidal range in the South-West is about 0.6 metres, so one metre is quite large compared to our tidal range. It’s quite a significant [change],” Professor Pattiaratchi said.

    The highest tide recorded in WA was 1.98 metres in 2003, he said.

    Professor Pattiaratchi said if the sea rose one metre, the present record level would be recorded almost every two weeks, causing estuaries to flood and beaches to erode.

    “Rivers which already experience a lot of erosion and cause problems would get much, much worse,” he said.

    In particular, Cockburn Sound off Rockingham, coastlines in northern Mandurah and along the Busselton region and the Swan River in Perth would “flood every couple of weeks”.

    Limestone reefs at Cottesloe Beach would be the only thing preventing seaside homes from flooding as the beach disappeared.

    Professor Pattiaratchi said Kwinana Freeway and Riverside Drive also would regularly flood, similar to flash flooding last Friday when 20 millimetres of rain fell in just 40 minutes during peak-hour, and parks throughout the city would be consumed by water.

    “We’re predicting that it will start having an effect in the next 30-40 years,” he said.

    “We have to do something about it.”

    WA climate scientists have claimed adaption was the only way to avoid sea-level rise impacts because natural increases in greenhouse gas emissions were comparable to the level emitted by humans, meaning a reduction in practices such as the burning of fossil fuels was too late.

    As an example, Director of the Centre for Water Research at UWA, Professor Jorg Imberger, said a barge at Fremantle could save the suburb.

    “The water level rise within the city is manageable without too much money,” he said.

    “But the thing that won’t be is the big impact on the lifestyle of Perth – beaches would be gone. We’ve built roads next to the beaches so the sand dunes can’t migrate.

    “There will be increased humidity, that means dengue fever and malaria would be coming down to Perth. So it’s not good.

    “And there’s no action that can be taken [to prevent the sea level rise] … people just aren’t able to respond [quick enough]. The only thing is adaption.”

    Professor Imberger said on a positive note, WA was well positioned to make long-term impacts on rainfall and potentially become carbon neutral.

    “We could revegetate some of the South-West to give the farmers back some rain,” he said.

    “We could better manage Lake Argyle [in the Kimberley] and stock it with fish and aquaculture. That would increase the net primary production in the lake, which potentially could sequent 30 per cent of emissions.

    “Third, we could take a really hard look at the resources industry and the money that’s being made from that is predominantly going overseas. We could use those earnings to really get ahead in a very positive way.

    “With a bit of will WA could lead the world in sustainable living.”

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    Read more: http://www.watoday.com.au/environment/climate-change/wa-beaches-parks-to-disappear-by-2100-20110523-1f0ks.html#ixzz2UYy78lVw