Other Climatic Concerns

As indicated at the outset the climate of the planet is determined by the interplay of a large number of factors. Present generation computer simulations do not take all of these factors into account and, like all encompassing economic models, have very little predictive accuracy. It is therefore possible that climate changes due to human activity might be for the better, offsetting some otherwise negative natural change.

Climate change has the potential to affect our ability to grow food through flood or drought, to destroy productive land through wind, water, ice or salt build-up and to cause increasing levels of extinction of plants and animals. Ocean warming and higher sea levels, due to expansion and ice melting, result in the inundation of coastal areas and low islands.  The opposite effects may result if the Earth becomes colder. 

Governments need to develop strategies for dealing with the effects of climate change.  Like all disaster plans these need to consider all the reasonable short and medium term contingencies but to leave longer-term considerations to future generations. 

For example if there is a reasonable expectation of higher sea levels within a few years, local planning should prohibit further development in areas subject to potential inundation. Similarly a reasonable expectation of higher levels of storm damage may require building codes to be revisited the storm proofing of emergency services and communications and that some areas of high exposure are avoided.  A large number of such contingencies (100 year floods, dam safety, bridge design and so on) could be drawn up.

Of particular concern to NSW is the impact of more or less rainfall across the State.  More consistent rain in the northern or western parts of the State could be beneficial to agriculture but if this has higher variability it could have negative impact without management.  Greater water use may increase salination and increased land degradation.  Rainfall change may require tree planting or other interventions to correct for rapid climatic change.  Conversely, if Central NSW becomes dryer water management will become even more critical.