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New study into how rural communities perceive climate change
16 May 2008
BRS08/SBIS1605
A report released today by the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) points to a great deal of uncertainty in rural communities about climate change — particularly its relationship with drought.
The report — Climate Risk and Industry Adaptation — looks at climate change, and how the associated risks are being managed, in four drought-affected, rural communities.
BRS Executive Director Dr Colin Grant said the report provides a valuable insight into how rural communities perceive drought and the links with climate change.
“It also examines how those communities are coping with the current drought and the strategies they are employing to adapt,” he said.
“Drought is an ever-present part of the Australian landscape, and our farmers have always had to look for ways to adapt.
“And while many scientists believe climate change is a key factor in the severity of the current drought, we don’t really have a clear understanding of what people in rural areas are thinking.
“The report suggests there is uncertainty in rural Australia about climate change, including: whether it is, in fact, happening; the causes, the impacts and its links with the current drought.
“It found that many in the sector are adapting well to change — changes such as water availability, terms of trade, commodity prices and labour shortages — but not necessarily to the specific challenges posed by climate change.
“But it also found that others were already focussing on the changing climate and adopting new technologies, particularly in important areas such as water efficiency — and especially after suffering through seven years of drought.”
BRS is a scientific agency within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Copies of Climate Risk and Industry Adaptation are available online at: www.brs.gov.au
More information: Jenny Bibo, BRS Communications Manager: 02 6272 4869 or 0434735465