A case study to see the potential impact of climate change on farm viability.

Australia’s agricultural sector is likely to become more exposed to the risks of climate change. Insurance can help producers face the challenge of adapting to those risks.

Water availability is a key issue in Australia. A changing climate will place greater demand
on water resources. We need to factor the risks associated with climate change into the
ways we use water.

Water availability is a key issue in Australia. A changing climate will place greater demand
on water resources. We need to factor the risks associated with climate change into the
ways we use water.

The climate of Australia varies across many different regions and timescales.

The major weather drivers in Queensland are: trade winds; El Niño – Southern Oscillation; tropical cyclones and tropical depressions; the monsoon; the Madden-Julian Oscillation; the inland trough; cut-off lows; cloudbands; and frontal changes.

The climate of Australia varies across many different regions and timescales.

The major weather drivers in South Australia are: El Niño – Southern Oscillation; frontal systems; cut-off lows; blocking highs; the Indian Ocean Dipole; cloudbands; and the Southern Annular Mode.

The climate of Australia varies across many different regions and timescales.

The major weather drivers in Victoria are: El Niño – Southern Oscillation; frontal systems; cut-off lows; blocking highs; the Southern Annular Mode; and cloudbands.

Australia’s climate varies across many different regions and timescales.

The major weather drivers in Western Australia are: frontal systems; cut-off lows; the west coast trough; blocking highs; the Southern Annular Mode; the Indian Ocean Dipole; cloudbands; and tropical systems.

The scientific evidence is clear: our climate is changing and humans are mostly to blame.

Past climate changes have been driven by natural processes but now the climate is also responding to human influences.

South Australia’s climate is changing. Farmers have long been aware of natural cycles in the climate, but now human-induced climate changes are becoming apparent. These changes will have significant impacts on the way South Australia is farmed.