http://www.sustainablemelbourne.com/models/event-green-drinks-8-november/ The City is Re-inventing Itself Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:56:34 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 http://www.sustainablemelbourne.com/models/event-green-drinks-8-november/#comment-9519 Ian Blair Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:58:25 +0000 http://www.sustainablemelbourne.com/?p=534#comment-9519 I attended a very good seminar hosted by the DPI, Uni of Melbourne and the AIAST on the "Impact of Climate Change on Australian Agriculture. The forecasts were startling to say the least and surprised me that they are not getting more coverage in the media. Some relevant points that were made: The agricultural impact will be much greater and last longer than the current financial crisis. We are currently at the level forecast to be reached in 2030, ie 20 years ahead fo time! The Government reacted quickly and promised $10B to spend on the financial crisis, but of the $10B promised for the water initiaitive very little has been spent a year afterwards. Horticulture such as vines, orchards and country towns once lost will never be regained without water! Spending on the key information of climate forecasting, rural adjustment and alternative crops and practices has been reduced, just when farmers are need ing information to guide their decsisions. Australian agriculture is a major supplier of food to growing economies north of us and if we cannot supply food there are huge cascade effects of food shortages for these populations and economies. These key points could be covered in a few ppt slides and a dot point handout. Let me know if you are interested. Regards Ian Blair (0417 559 643) I attended a very good seminar hosted by the DPI, Uni of Melbourne and the AIAST on the “Impact of Climate Change on Australian Agriculture. The forecasts were startling to say the least and surprised me that they are not getting more coverage in the media. Some relevant points that were made:
The agricultural impact will be much greater and last longer than the current financial crisis.
We are currently at the level forecast to be reached in 2030, ie 20 years ahead fo time!
The Government reacted quickly and promised $10B to spend on the financial crisis, but of the $10B promised for the water initiaitive very little has been spent a year afterwards.
Horticulture such as vines, orchards and country towns once lost will never be regained without water!
Spending on the key information of climate forecasting, rural adjustment and alternative crops and practices has been reduced, just when farmers are need ing information to guide their decsisions.
Australian agriculture is a major supplier of food to growing economies north of us and if we cannot supply food there are huge cascade effects of food shortages for these populations and economies. These key points could be covered in a few ppt slides and a dot point handout. Let me know if you are interested. Regards Ian Blair (0417 559 643)

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