Biodiversity
According to the ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate:
The endangered Northern Corroboree Frog species occurs in the Bimberi and Brindabella Ranges in the ACT and adjacent Bogong Mountains and Fiery Ranges in New South Wales (ACT Government 1997). This species has suffered severe declines over the last two decades leading to concerns over their future survival in the wild.
Probable causes of decline of Corroboree Frogs are introduced disease (Chytrid fungus), climate change and environmental stochasticity (drought, recent wild fires). These factors may also have been exacerbated by ecological changes subsequent to European settlement, such as changed grazing and burning regimes, and disturbance from introduced animals. The January 2003 wildfires burnt most of the Corroboree Frog habitat in the ACT (Brindabella/Bimberi Ranges), although frogs are now using the regenerating areas.
Human health
According to the Productivity Commission’s Climate Change Adaptation Review:
Climate change is likely to affect human health both physically and mentally through extreme weather events (such as heatwaves) as well as more gradual changes (such as changes in the geographic distribution of vector-borne diseases).
Extreme weather events — such as heatwaves, droughts, bushfires, cyclones and flash floods — could lead to increased injury, death or mental health problems (such as depression, stress or anxiety). In particular, the number of heat-related deaths is likely to increase (well in excess of any reduction in cold-related deaths). Extreme weather events could also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
According to www.climatechange.gov.au:
As the number of very hot days (above 35 degrees Celsius) increase, the number of illnesses and heat-related deaths in the ACT could more than double, with the elderly particularly vulnerable. An estimated 14 people aged 65 and over die annually in Canberra from heat-related deaths (1997-1999 average). This could potentially rise to between 37 and 41 deaths a year by 2020, and 62 to 92 deaths by 2050. The population of the ACT is also susceptible to cold-related deaths with 3 people a year currently dying from the cold. The proportion of people dying from the cold is expected to decrease as temperatures increase, however as population growth is also expected, the total number of cold-related deaths is projected to be between 4 and 9 deaths in 2050.
Other climate change related health risks relevant to the ACT include the impact of severe weather events including bushfires and heatwaves, an increase in food-borne infectious diseases, increases in air pollution and mental health consequences. The adverse health impacts of climate change will be greatest among people on lower incomes, the elderly and the sick.
Water supply
According to www.climatechange.gov.au:
Climate change is likely to threaten water supply in the ACT through reduced rainfall and runoff into the ACT's Cotter and Googong catchments. Annual rainfall could decline by up to 10 per cent by 2030 and 25 per cent by 2070, relative to 1990.
Decreases in annual runoff are also projected in the ACT region of up to 20 per cent by 2030 and 50 per cent by 2070.
Water resources are likely to be further stressed due to projected population growth and changes in supply for irrigation, cities, industry and environmental flows.
In response to recent droughts, bushfires and potential climate change, in 2007 the Chief Minister announced a suite of measures to develop a sustainable water supply for Canberra, including enlarging the Cotter Dam, transferring water from the Murrumbidgee River to the Googong Dam and smart metering.
Agriculture
According to www.climatechange.gov.au:
Agriculture is particularly sensitive to changes in temperature and the availability of water. These projected changes could directly affect the productivity of the ACT region's agricultural industries including its regional wine industry.
