Energy and Water Strategy 2007-2010 - Sustainable Blue Mountains

BLUE MOUNTAINS CITY COUNCIL – ENERGY AND WATER STRATEGY
• Most of Australia may warm 0.4 to 2.0ºC by 2030 and 1 to 6 ºC by 2070, with
slightly less warming near the coast. This is likely to result in more evaporation,
more hot days and fewer cold days
• Changes in rainfall patterns. Where average rainfall increases, more extremely
wet years are projected, and where average rainfall decreases more dry spells
are projected.
• An increase in sea level due to warmer ocean temperatures which may include
flooding of low lying coastal areas
• Some inland and eastern coastal areas may experience wetter summers
• Increase in intensity, duration and frequency of storms and cyclones
• Natural systems that are already under pressure, for example from introduced
pests, urban expansion, pollution and salinity, will be more vulnerable to climate
change.
• Flora and fauna habitat distribution - ability of species with local distribution to
adapt by moving may be limited by soil types and fragmentation of natural areas.
• Increases in fire risk
• Spread of pests and tropical diseases
• Disturbance to agricultural systems
Potential Impacts on Blue Mountains City Council
The enhanced greenhouse effect may have significant impact on Blue Mountains City Council.
Temperature and rainfall variation may have a significant impact on local ecosystems, particularly
those which are directly dependent on groundwater, such as wetlands.
The temperature and rainfall variation may also cause significant negative impact on the flora and
fauna of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, which would have a subsequent impact on
tourism and the local economy.
There may also be an increased fire risk as a result of the enhanced greenhouse effect, which will
be of concern to most residents living in the City due to most residents’ proximity to bushland.
Impacts of fire on bushland areas will of course also include impacts on flora and fauna in those
areas.
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