CASE STUDY 5.2: Using climate change information in a Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area climate change adaptation plan
There are gaps in the scientific understanding of the impact of climate change on the Gondwana Rainforests WHA, particularly changes to cloud cover. This is an important environmental variable for the property because cloud and fog provide up to half of the annual vegetation water requirements in high elevation forests.
Building on an earlier case study we’re developing lifting condensation level (LCL) projections, to provide information about changes to the cloud base in a changing climate, to complement existing temperature and rainfall projections. These projections can be used to inform the development of a climate change adaptation plan for the Gondwana Rainforests WHA.
As well as providing climate change data, we’re working with Gondwana Rainforest WHA managers to:
- understand the factors that need to be taken into account for assessing climate change risk (e.g. when considering bushfire risk many climate variables and their interactions need to be taken into account, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, etc.)
- develop appropriate climate change adaptation planning questions
- access and interpret climate change information to inform management decisions.
This case study will demonstrate effective climate change adaptation planning for WHAs through co-production of knowledge and information products.
Commenced: February 2019
More information: Mandy Hopkins, ESCC Hub Knowledge Broker
Publications and products
- Not yet available