NORTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Publications and Programs | Case Studies

Information and resources for climate change adaptation in North Western Australia is provided below.

North Western Australia is likely to experience the following climate change impacts:

• North Western Australia is expected to become warmer with more hot days and less cold nights.
• By 2030 the annual average number of days over 35°C in Broome could grow from the current 54 to 64-119 days and in Halls Creek from 156 to 166-205 days.
• Growth in peak summer energy demand, due to air-conditioning use, may increase the risk of blackouts.
• Warmer temperatures and population growth are likely to cause a rise in heat-related illness and death for those over 65.
• The spread of vector-borne, water-borne and food-borne disease will also likely increase with predictions the mosquito that carries Dengue Fever possibly reaching Port Hedland by 2050. These health issues may increase pressure on medical and hospital services.
• Although not quantified, increased stress on water supply is possible due to increased demand and climate-driven changes, such as higher evaporation reducing runoff to rivers and a possible small decline in annual rainfall.
• More frequent and severe droughts are likely.
• Increases in extreme storm events are expected to cause more flash flooding affecting industry and infrastructure, including water, sewerage and stormwater, transport and communications, and may challenge emergency services.
• In coastal areas infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise and inundation.
• Some agricultural crops may benefit from higher CO2 concentrations however protein content is likely to decline.
• More hot days and less rainfall may also reduce yields and livestock will adversely affected by greater heat stress. Some centres dependent upon agriculture may be adversely affected.

Department of Climate Change

Publications and Programs

Climate Change Scenarios for Initial Assessment of Risk in Accordance with Risk Management Guidance
www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/publications/risk-scenarios.html
This report provides regional climate change scenarios for North Western Australia for use in the initial assessment of risks as recommended by the Australian Government. These scenarios have been prepared by CSIRO.

Case Studies

If you would like to see your Local Government success story presented here, please send your case studies to Melanie Bainbridge at mbainbridge@walga.asn.au

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