- South Western Australia is expected to become warmer with more hot days and less cold nights.
- By 2030 the annual average number of days over 35°C in Perth could grow from the current 27 to 29-38 days.
- Growth in peak summer energy demand is likely, due to air-conditioning use, which may increase the risk of blackouts.
- Warmer temperatures and population growth are likely to cause a rise in heat-related illness and death for those over 65; increasing in Perth from the current 294 annually to 657-689 by 2020 and 1,254-1,548 by 2050.
- Warmer conditions may also help spread vector-borne, water-borne and food-borne disease further south. These health issues could increase pressure on medical and hospital services.
- Increased stress on water supply is possible due to increased demand and climate-driven changes.
- A possible decline in annual rainfall and higher evaporation likely reduce runoff to rivers, including the Canning River and Thompson Brook, by 2030.
- By 2050 there may be a 31 percent decline in runoff in the Stirling catchment.
- More frequent and severe droughts are likely.
- Increases in extreme storm events are expected to cause more flash flooding affecting industry and infrastructure, including water, sewerage and stormwater, transport and communications, and may challenge emergency services.
- In coastal areas infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise and inundation.
- Some agricultural crops may benefit from higher CO2 concentrations however protein content is likely to decline.
- Frost-sensitive crops, such as wheat, may respond well to some warming however more hot days and less rainfall may reduce yields.
- Adverse effects for agriculture include reduced stone fruit yields in warmer winters, livestock stress and an increased prevalence of plant diseases, weeds and pests.
- CO2 benefits experienced by forestry may be offset by a decline in rainfall, more bushfires and changes in pests.
- Centres dependent upon agriculture and forestry may be adversely affected.
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