CANBERRA, ACT, Oct. 20 -- Murray-Darling Basin Authority issued the following news release:
Pressure is mounting in the Murray-Darling Basin due to the changing climate. Climate change will impact the Basin directly through reductions in rainfall decreasing river flows and water availability, and indirectly through other risks such as the increased threat of bushfire.
Our 2025 Sustainable Rivers Audit notes that the Basin is getting hotter. Average temperatures have risen across the Basin by approximately 1.4 degC since 1910. Most of this increase has occurred since 1970. MD-WERP modelling shows that this is leading to lower river flows and more frequent and intense droughts. These changes are a major threat to the health of the Basin's ecosystems, which support a wide variety of plant and animal species. With prolonged dry periods and low water levels, rivers and wetlands become disconnected. This affects water quality and makes it harder for native plants and animals to survive.
Extreme weather events, like severe bushfires and floods, are becoming more common and are adding even more stress to the environment.
These environmental changes also affect people. Studies from the social, economic and cultural outcomes theme of MD-WERP identify that industries like farming and tourism, which depend on the Basin's water, are being affected. There are also cultural and social effects on communities that live or rely on water in the region.
In response to these challenges the program has identified that governments and communities must focus on adaptive management strategies. Adaptive management allows them to adjust their approach in response to:
* current climatic conditions
* new information
* local knowledge.
River systems will need to be managed in more flexible and responsive ways. These scientific reports highlight not only the challenges ahead, but also potential actions that can be taken. This will involve using better forecasting tools and models to release water when it's most needed to protect the environment. Models have been developed as part of the research in the hydrology theme of MD-WERP.
No single action can fix everything and doing nothing could lead to the loss of important species, natural areas, industries, and even Basin communities. Solving these complex issues requires teamwork across governments, industries, and communities. Long-term solutions depend on smart planning and strong cooperation that is underpinned by science and research. MD-WERP has developed new scientific knowledge and tools to inform policy. This will help sustain the Basin's environment, communities and economies.
Explore some of the MD-WERP research below.
This research was supported through funding from the Australian Government Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Program (MD-WERP). This program will be complete by the end of 2025.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
