Future Hydroclimatic Systems Impact Assessment

completed

The Bureau of Meteorology assessed potential climate change impacts on water resources. They did this across Australia, and in selected catchments. They used global and regional scale information. Their report presents trends, and the data and modelling behind them. This will inform the analysis, planning and investment decisions of the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA). This will help the NWGA plan and build for a future Australia that is water secure, climate-resilient and adaptable. Climate change affects rainfall, streamflow, runoff and water storage. In many parts of Australia, the amount and timing of water availability will be affected by: Understanding how the changing climate is likely to affect Australia’s water resources is important. It will support climate-resilient planning, development and investment decisions. Knowing where increased water stress may occur is critical for preparing for and adapting to future conditions. This information will help water managers ensure water resources, the environments that depend on them, and water users themselves, can adapt to the changing climate. The NWGA Science Program commissioned the Bureau of Meteorology to review the likely impacts on water availability of different climate scenarios for 16 regions across Australia. Researchers combined global climate models with regional scale information on: This information was then used to characterise a range of plausible hydroclimatic scenarios. It also provided insights into how local water availability may be affected. The outcomes of the investigation vary across the 16 regions assessed. Some findings of note are: Decision-makers will use this information to support analysis, planning and investment. This will support a future Australia that is: •    water secure •    climate-resilient •    adaptable.