Dear Andrew,

 

At the CSIRO website written in 2005, I found the following observation and predictions. I would be interested in response.

 

Bruce

 

 

 

 

What are the observed impacts of climate change?

The results of climate change can be readily observed, and include:

·         retreat of glaciers and sea-ice

·         a decline of 10-15 per cent of the Arctic sea ice extent and a 40 per cent decrease in its average thickness

·         snow depth at the start of October has declined 40 per cent in the last 40 years in the Australian Alps

·         an average sea level rise of 20 mm per decade over the last 50 years

·         changes in mating and migration times of birds

·         poleward and altitudinal shifts of plants and animals (especially in the Alpine zone)

·         an increase in coral bleaching due to increased water temperature.

 

How will Australia’s climate change in the future?

Projections for Australia are for a hotter climate with more frequent extreme events. It is estimated that there will be:

·         warming of 0.4-2 ºC by 2030 and 1-6 ºC by 2070 compared to 1990 (warming will not be the same everywhere but almost everywhere the climate will be different)

·         more hot days over 35 ºC (up to three times as many by 2070) and a reduction in the number of frost days

·         an increase in the frequency and duration of extreme events such as heavy rains, cyclones, floods, and droughts

·         a rise in sea level rise of 9 to 88 cm by 2100 compared to 1990.