Water

= = __Impacts__

Average annual rainfall is likely to decrease over much of Australia and the pattern of severe weather events is expected to change.

__Background Information__

Water security problems are projected to intensify by 2030 in southern and eastern Australia as a result of reduced rainfall and higher evaporation. The frequency and extent of droughts is projected to increase over most of southern Australia. The effects of climate change will be superimposed on natural climate variability, leading to changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Days with heavy rainfall are expected to become more intense over most areas in summer and autumn and in northern areas in winter and spring. Tropical cyclone days are expected to increase in the north-east but decrease in the north-west, with the strongest cyclones becoming more intense. The number of days with large hail is expected to increase along the east coast from Fraser Island to Tasmania and decrease along the southern coast of Australia.  __Solutions__

Apart from reducing emissions, policy developments will be required to share scarce water resources in some parts of the country. Resources will also be required to adequately support rescue and aid teams in areas which are heavily impacted.