Terrestrial Biodiversity Adaptation Research Network

“Victoria will experience the effects of global climate change and is expected to become 0.9–3.8°C warmer by 2070. Most of Victoria is also likely to become substantially drier. These changes are expected to occur more quickly than previous changes in global climate and natural systems are unlikely to be able to evolve rapidly enough to cope with the changes. Natural ecosystems have only a narrow coping range for climate and become vulnerable as warming exceeds 1.5–2°C, a likely scenario for many parts of Victoria. It seems likely that Victoria’s native species and natural ecosystems will experience severe stress as a result of climate change. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the basic biology of most of Victorian species is inadequate to allow us to predict specific responses to climate change with confidence.

This section examines the implications of climate change, as well as some of the political and economic changes that are likely to accompany it, for Victoria’s natural and agricultural systems. Victorian and national environmental programs and plans developed in response to climate change are evaluated. Recommendations for managing the risks of climate change to land and biodiversity are also presented.”

http://www.ces.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/030353524030EDF5CA2575B0001815EF/$File/LB4.2.9+ImpactsOfClimateChangeOnLB.pdf