Chapter 4 Climate Impacts and Responses

Conclusions

Many Commonwealth and State government agencies, and University Departments, conduct research into climate impacts and responses. Much of this research involves strong collaboration between agencies and with international colleagues, and the active involvement of stakeholders.

Climate change (including climate variability and climate change associated with the enhanced greenhouse effect) has, and will continue to have, major impacts on the Australian economy and natural systems. This has particularly been the case in 2002- 03, with the large impacts of drought and fire affecting many sectors.

Numerous assessments of the likely impacts of climate change are being conducted by Australian scientists using CSIRO's climate projections, which were released in May, 2001. Recent results generally indicate negative impacts on natural systems, the marine and coastal environments, water resources and infrastructure. Some positive and negative impacts have been identified in agriculture, forestry and human health.

The Commonwealth has a substantial program of policies and measures which are reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions across key sectors. The full implementation of these policies and measures will contribute to the global challenge of reducing emissions and stabilising climate. The Commonwealth is developing a Climate Change Forward Strategy that will position Australia for a longer term response to climate change.

The impacts of climate change and variability are already apparent in Australia, and we are likely to experience further impacts in future due to the inertia of the earth system. Hence there is a need to consider adaptation to climate change and variability to minimise negative impacts and make the most of any positive impacts.