Impacts & adaptation
The agriculture sector is vulnerable to the potential impacts of climate change. These impacts include:
- a reduction in annual average rainfall over much of the Australian continent
- increases in mean annual temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations
- increased frequency of extreme weather events such as flooding and drought
- altered distribution and survival of pests and weeds, which are likely to have a significant impact on agricultural production in some regions
- increased risk of heat stress for intensively housed animals.
More information about climate change impacts & adaptation.
These impacts could effect agricultural productivity, sustainability and economic returns. The Australian Government recognises that more knowledge is required about the adaptive capacity of Australian farming systems, the risks and opportunities associated with climate change, and physiological changes to plant and animal functions. The Strategic R&D Investment Plan addresses knowledge gaps in this area.
The Australian Government is seeking to improve the forecasting of climate variability and to create opportunities that will enable agricultural industries to adapt to climate change. Modifying crop varieties or changing farm management practices are examples of how adapting to climate change can improve yield and crop value.
