South Australia to get 'hotter and drier' from climate change, warns report

By RTCC Staff

South Australia’s Arabunna region, including Lake Eyre, could become hotter and drier from climate change, according to new research.

The study, being conducted by the University of Adelaide, made some alarming forecasts for northern parts of South Australia over the coming decades.

It suggests the number of days reaching above 40 degree Celsius at the town of Oodnadatta could increase from 37 to 47 annually by 2030.

“Temperatures could increase up to 4°C in Arabunna country in the next century, threatening the survival of many plants and animals,” said the study’s author, Dr John Tibby. “My report suggests that climate may change in a series of ‘jumps’ rather than in a gradual manner, hence the need to make plans to adapt to this risk.”

The researchers are working with the people in the region to develop an adaptation plan for communities.

Predicted impacts of climate change in the area include damage to sites from bushfires and dust storms, and changes in rainfall which could impact local foods and medicines.

This was the first stage of the report Climate Change Projections for Arabunna Population Centres.

The full report will be available in February 2013.