Adaptation of the Australian wine industry to climate change – opportunities and vulnerabilities

Abstract

Climate projections for various climatic variables have been calculated for Australia and for selected regions globally. A warming climate is projected for all sites and this varies by region and seasonally. Projections for rainfall vary with most regions likely to have a drier future, while a few are likely to get wetter.

Summary

Australia and the globe are experiencing rapid climate change. Since the middle of the 20th century, Australian temperatures have, on average, risen by about 1°C with an increase in the frequency of heat-waves and a decrease in the numbers of frosts and cold days. Rainfall patterns have also changed – the northwest has seen an increase in rainfall over the last 50 years while much of eastern Australia and the far southwest have experienced a decline (Australian Bureau of Meteorology 2011).