Source: Vulnerability to Climate Change of Australia’s Coastal Zone: Analysis of gaps in methods, data and system thresholds (Ed; M. Voice, N. Harvey and K. Walsh, 2006, Australian Government Publication)

Australia’s Coastal Zones include:

Over 80% of Australia’s Population and 7 major cities

Globally significant ecosystems

Top Tourist Destinations and World Heritage Sites

Department of Climate Change: Coastal Impacts http://www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/coasts.html

Extreme Events e.g. Flooding

Ecosystem Damage e.g. Coral Bleaching

CSIRO Impacts of Climate Change http://www.cmar.csiro.au/sealevel/sl_impacts_climate.htmlDepartment of Climate Change: http://www.climatechange.gov.au/science/hottopics/pubs/topic8.pdfCSIRO Science of Climate Change: http://www.csiro.au/science/the-science-of-climate-change--ci_pageNo-4.html

Social: ◦ 20,000 people isolated or

homeless

Financial: ◦ Damages of $39 million

Will societies be prepared for the future impacts of climate change?

ABC News – Flood Evacuation ordered for Kempsey: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/23/2578874.htm