[Greens-Media] New international climate study paints a bleak picture for Australian agriculture

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

New international climate study paints a bleak picture for Australian
agriculture

In more bad news for farmers a new report shows that global warming is
likely to produce a serious decline in world agricultural production
over the next fifty years, with Australian coping a 16% to 27% drop in
our rural productivity, according to a new study by a senior
international economist.

"This is a wake-up call for Australian governments to get real about
climate change and start developing future-proof strategies to protect
our rural industries," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

The book "Global Warming and Agriculture: Impact Estimates by Country"
by William R Kline, released by the Peterson Institute for International
Agriculture and the Centre for Global Development this week highlights
the uneven impacts climactic shift will have on agriculture across the
globe, with the worst impacts expected in developing countries.

"The message is very clear for Australia that we need to be acting now
to tackle the problems posed by climate shifts in our agricultural zones
or our rural sector will continue to decline," said Senator Siewert.

"Australia has been a world leader in agricultural science and our
farmers are some of the most experienced in dealing with a harsh and
varying climate - but the extent of predicted change poses a huge
challenge."

 "Given that research into new plant varieties and farming systems can
take ten or twenty years to get from the lab to the farm gate, we cannot
afford to be dragging our heels on such a crucial issue," said Senator
Siewert.

 "The research paints a particularly bleak picture for plans to develop
agriculture in the North, with a predicted decline of 33% to 41%," said
Senator Siewert. 

"Clearly developing the north isn't going to be the panacea that some in
the Coalition seem to think it is."

	           
For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia


Tuesday 25th September 2007