Climate change hotspots in Australia
Key hotspots identified in Australia by IPCC report, where vulnerability to climate change is likely to be high.
Saltwater intrusion due to rising sea level, displacement of freshwater wetlands by mangroves. Changed species assemblages.
Queensland wet tropics
Multiple species extinctions predicted for upland endemic vertebrates for moderate levels of warming. Deterioration of coral reefs. Large losses to built environment from flooding, sea-level rise and cyclone storm surges
Ongoing development is likely to be exacerbated by large losses to built environment from rising sea-level, storm surges and flooding
Murray Darling Basin
Reduced water supply for irrigation, cities, industry and environmental flows. Threats to freshwater wetlands such as the Macquarie Marshes. Reduced habitat for migratory birds.
Loss of plant and animal species, increases in shrubs at expense of herb fields. Glacier shrinkage and reduction in snow cover.
Drying and water shortages. Range reductions and fragmentation for many endemic plants and crops
Source: The Final Draft of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report chapter on Australia and New Zealand.