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Australia and the globe are experiencing rapid climate change. Since the middle of the 20th century, Australian temperatures have, on average, risen by about 1°C with an increase in the frequency of heat-waves and a decrease in the numbers of frosts and cold days. Rainfall patterns have also changed – the northwest has seen an increase in rainfall over the last 50 years while much of eastern Australia and the far southwest have experienced a decline (Australian Bureau of Meteorology 2011).
Abstract
Climate projections for various climatic variables have been calculated for Australia and for selected regions globally. A warming climate is projected for all sites and this varies by region and seasonally. Projections for rainfall vary with most regions likely to have a drier future, while a few are likely to get wetter.
