Recent evidence indicates that climate change is occurring much more rapidly than previously expected.
Worldwide, the current predictions for the period 1990 to 2100 are an average global temperature increase of 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius.
Combining the relevant global and local information indicates that sea level rise on the NSW coast is expected to be in the range of 0.18 to 0.91m by 2100.
These changes will most likely lead to more frequent severe storm events, floods and droughts. Impacts from these more intense events could include: Reduced agricultural and food production, therefore an increased potential for further poverty worldwide.
- Property damage and loss of life (for example: hurricane Katrina in 2005).
- Reduced human health.
- Loss of biodiversity.
- Changes in water quality.