Heat to soar in NSW, says CSIRO

November 6, 2006

Average temperatures in NSW could soar by up to 6.4 degrees by 2070 unless action is taken to tackle climate change, new research by the CSIRO shows.

The study also warns that annual rainfall in key farming areas could drop by 70 per cent in the next 64 years.

The NSW Government, which commissioned the research, seized on the figures to attack Prime Minister John Howard's refusal to sign up for a national emissions trading scheme.

NSW Premier Morris Iemma said climate change was a real threat to the state's way of life.

"The CSIRO research paints a frightening picture; that's why we need a national approach to climate change," he said.

Under the emissions trading scheme proposed by the states, greenhouse gas emissions from Australia's electricity industry would be capped at between 1997 and 2000 levels by 2035.

Electricity generators would be required to hold permits to emit greenhouse gases but would be able to purchase extra permits and offset emissions through forestry and capturing or storing carbon.

"To our national shame, John Howard refuses to sign up in the face of overwhelming evidence of the impact of climate change on families and the economy," Mr Iemma said.

The new research also predicts that summer temperatures in inland northern NSW could be up to 7.1 degrees higher by 2070 and that spring rainfall could be up to 60 per cent lower.

Further climate change studies covering all of the major catchment areas in NSW will be released in the coming months.

The State Government is also funding research into the effect of climate change on rainfall patterns, water availability and flooding in the greater metropolitan region.

AAP