Climate Change

Climate Change Around the World

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.
• An average global sea level rise of 9 to 88cm.

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. 

Climate Change in Coffs Harbour

Climate change will vary in its effects across Australia. For Coffs Harbour some of the predicted changes for the period 1990 to 2100 are:

• Temperature increase of 2.7 degrees Celsius.
• Sea level rise of up to 80cm by 2100.
• More severe storms.
• More flooding events.
• More droughts.

These changes may have far-reaching impacts on Coffs Harbour's environment, economy and community. For example, there could be:

• A decline in biodiversity.
• A decline in tourism.
• A decline in the fishing industry.
• Widespread crop damage and loss of stock.
• An increase in health risks from declining water quality and a higher potential for diseases (particularly diseases carried by mosquitos).
• Loss of housing areas.

For further information on the effects of climate change in Australia, NSW and Coffs Harbour, see Council's Greenhouse Action Strategy: Treading Lightly and the CSIRO's report on Climate Change in NSW.