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| Rural Industries |
Climate change and the
so called 'greenhouse effect' pose both opportunities and threats
for Australian agriculture. Higher carbon dioxide levels will
enhance plant growth rates, lower rainfall, and reduce soil moisture
availability. Reduced productivity overseas will offer market
opportunities, but a climatic shift in Australia may reduce our
production base.
RIRDC has a small strategic program of research on
climate change specifically orientated to the likely impact on
agricultural industries. It is coordinated with the core program
established by the Prime Minister which is focusing on advanced
climatic modelling for Australia as a whole together with international
liaison. RIRDC provides a coordinating role for rural industry
research funding interest in climatic change and greenhouse effect
issues.
The Corporation will continue to sponsor research, reviews and workshops that advance understanding of the phenomenon of climate change and foster debate on how its impacts might be exploited or ameliorated, as the case may be, in either policy or practical terms.
Last updated: 10 October 1996
Copyright © RIRDC
Index of RIRDC Projects URL
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/compendium/93-94/index.html