The South Australian Outback will become significantly hotter and drier in the years ahead, according to a new scientific study.
An Adelaide University study has estimated that the number of days above 40 degrees Celsus at Oodnadatta will increase from 37 to 47 annually by 2030. And, it warns, climate change might come to northern SA in a series of leaps, threatening the survival of many plants and animals … particularly in the country around Lake Eyre.
“Temperatures could increase up to four degrees in Arabunna country in the next century,” said report author, Dr John Tibby. “My report suggests that the climate may change in a series of jumps rather than in a gradual manner, hence the need to make plans to adapt to this risk.”
The researchers concluded that plant species and soils would probably be most affected by the drier and more fire-prone conditions, and this would have a flow-on effect on traditional hunting and cultural activities. The predicted changes will mean less rainfall, and an increased risk of bushfires and dust storms.
