Victoria’s forecast is for less rain, more heat
Victoria’s forecast is for less rain, more heat
7 July 2008
published by www.news.com.au
VICTORIANS have been warned of less snowfall, more bushfires and more droughts by a combined report on the impact of climate change.
The forecast, prepared by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology, is for Victorians to swelter through more hot days and experience less frosty weather.
The state’s average annual temperature will rise by about 0.8 degrees by 2030, according to the projections.
And in more bad news for farmers, annual rainfall is expected to drop by about 4 per cent in the same timeframe.
The projections illustrate the challenge that climate change will present to Victorians over the 21st century, DSE manager of climate change adaptation Rod Anderson said.
The projections say that depending on emissions growth, Victorias average annual temperature could rise by 1.4 degrees (low emissions growth) or 2.7 degrees (high emissions growth) by 2070.
Under a high emissions growth scenario, Melbourne’s annual average rainfall will drop by 11 per cent by 2070, and the city will be 2.6 degrees warmer.
Low emissions growth would result in a 1.3 degree rise in heat, and six per cent less rain.
Mr Anderson said the projections would be invaluable in helping town planners, the state government and industry prepare for the impact of climate change.
