What are the likely impacts?
Hotter and drier conditions generally can be expected to place additional stress on our water resources, dryland and agriculture, communities and the environment. The consequences of low flows have been very much in evidence over the past few years. For example, we have seen the lowest water allocations to irrigators on record, resulting in significant pressure on the farming community and many urban centres have been subject to water restrictions of varying degrees of severity. Australian water managers have proved themselves resilient to the already variable climate, so there is underlying capacity in human systems to adapt to climate change, although assistance and support may be required. Reductions in water availability will lead to pressure to find or develop alternative sources of water and to more carefully use the water that is available. The viability of existing enterprises may need to be reviewed, geographic shifts may be considered, and new opportunities may emerge. The sp
