Climate change and the Australian agricultural sector
4 December 2008
© Commonwealth of Australia 2008
ISBN 978-1-74229-029-4
View the report as a single document - (PDF 579KB)
View the report as separate downloadable parts:
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Members of the Committee |
(PDF 106KB) |
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Abbreviations |
(PDF 111KB) |
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Chapter 1 - Introduction |
(PDF 123KB) |
Terms of reference
Conduct of the Inquiry
The committee’s final report
Acknowledgement
Note on references |
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Chapter 2 - The impacts of climate change for the Australian agricultural sector |
(PDF 247KB) |
Introduction
The Australian agricultural sector
Composition of the sector
Vulnerability of the Australian agricultural sector to climate change
The limitations of predicting the impacts of climate change
Climatic impacts of climate change
Water resources
Implications of reduced water availability
The relationship between rainfall and run-off
Sustainable Water Policies
Higher temperatures
Extreme climatic events
Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels
Pests, disease and weeds
Distribution and pathogenicity of pests and diseases
Weed distribution and management
Non-climatic impacts of climate change
Rural communities
Biodiversity in the Australian landscape
Consumer expectations |
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Chapter 3 - Challenges and opportunities for current and future farm enterprises |
(PDF 262KB) |
Introduction
Adapting to climate change
Adapting current farming enterprises to changing climate conditions
Increasing water use efficiency
Selecting cultivars, species and breeds to suit changing climate
Moving production as climate shifts
Resilient farming systems
Perennial cropping and fodder shrubs
Diversifying agricultural enterprises
Forestry
Other diversification options
Mitigating and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector
Mitigating agricultural emissions
Soil Carbon Sequestration
Alternative energy sources
Biofuels
Other forms of alternative energy generation
Committee view |
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Chapter 4 - The impact of an emissions trading scheme for the Australian agricultural sector |
(PDF 201KB) |
Introduction
The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
Accounting for greenhouse gas emissions and removals
The Kyoto Protocol accounting framework
Implications of an emissions trading scheme for agriculture
Implications of an emissions trading scheme for the forestry sector
Committee view |
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Chapter 5 - A national climate change strategy to assist the Australian agricultural sector adapt to climate change |
(PDF 223KB) |
Introduction
Current initiatives
Australian Climate Change Science Program
Greenhouse Action in Regional Australia
Managing Climate Variability Program
National Climate Change Adaptation Framework
National Agriculture and Climate Change Action Plan 2006-2009
National Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries
Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research
Other initiatives
Awareness of current initiatives
Future initiatives
Australia’s Farming Future
COAG Working Group on Climate Change and Water
What should be included in a national strategy?
Water policy
The development of a database of natural resource information
Development and management of biosecurity policy
Compliance with international obligations
Other initiatives
Committee view |
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Appendix 1 - List of Submissions |
(PDF 83KB) |
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Appendix 2 - Witnesses who appeared before the Committee at the Public Hearings |
(PDF 109KB) |
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia