This report by Climate Council describes the nature of Australia’s rural communities and the general challenges they face.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A LOOK:
Australia’s environment is complex and unique; climate change in poses a great threat to its rural communities including challenges such as health, livability, productivity and sustainability. Adapting to the impacts of a changing climate, the variables and limits create barriers to transitioning to a low carbon and sustainable economy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
o Over the last 30 years to 2011, the number of farmers declined by 106,200 (40%)
o The Australian food industry comprises more than 700,000 businesses, food retailers and wholesalers
o Australia recorded its hottest ever October in 2015, 2.89°C above the long-term average. Researchers found that global warming increased the chance of these record-breaking temperatures by a factor of at least six.
o Approximately 50% of all profits from Australian agriculture derive from irrigated production due to a decline in rainfall during winter months.
o Renewable energy projects bring jobs and investment into rural and regional communities. Delivering half of the electricity from renewable sources by 2050 would create more than 28,000 jobs.
o In Australia, rural areas receive around 30 – 40% of the total investment in renewables, valued at $1-2 billion per year.
