The temperature of the Earth has fluctuated naturally over millions of years, but despite this we are now very concerned about a relatively small temperature increase over the next few decades. Should we be concerned, and what will a few degrees of warming do to Australia's climate?
If one thing is certain about the Global warming debate, it is that minor climate changes will negatively affect Australia's environment, economy, and community's, causing a great concern for the population (Saul, 2012). Due to Australia's highly unique and diverse fauna and flora, as well as it's pristine coastlines, it has been designated as one of the more vulnerable countries to climate change (Saul, 2012). The fact that the majority of the population live on the coast, as well as the important tourist industry relying on the natural beauty, does not make the outlook of the country any better. Australia's extensive amount of arid areas, constant annual rainfall variability and ongoing trouble with water supply and management all add to the susceptibility to global warming of the continent (Preston & Jones, 2006).
The next 50 to 100 years will see a damaging change to the natural climate, an increase in fire risk, extreme weather and disasters as well as many more harmful effects (Preston & Jones, 2006).
Although there has been much research into the subject, the impacts of climate change are highly complex, and much uncertainty still surrounds the topic. The earth's climate has fluctuated between glacial periods and periods of warming, due mostly to shifts in the Earth's orbit, causing many to believe that the recent increases are just apart of the normal cycle (Stevenson, 2009). Many scientists say the earth is resistant to such changes, and nature will learn to adapt as it has so many times before. There isn't...