Forests, Alpine Regions, Coastlines - Report Details What Will Happen To Tasmania As Climate Warms

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Report author Louise Gilfedder says the Miena Cider Gum is already in decline because of habitat changes in the central highlands. "The impacts of drought, pests, insects has really given them a hammering over the last 20 to 30 years and they could become the first local extinction," Ms Gilfedder said.

The report says warmer temperatures are expected to increase the spread of invasive species such as root rot and the spiny sea urchin.

"Warming in our mountains may allow plant diseases such as the root rot fungus to climb up into our mountains ... or into the forests which are currently too cool to stop the spread of the root rot fungus," Ms Gilfedder explained.

Species such as the freshwater crayfish and the green and gold frog are also in danger but Climate Change Minister Nick McKim says any action on the report is still months away.

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http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/29/2996494.htm

[depakid]

1. Tassie Gov's pres release:

http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=30274

“Our coasts and marine environments are particularly susceptible, with sea surface temperatures predicted to have the greatest increases in our region.

“Other natural environments such as moorlands, freshwater systems, and our marine and coastal environments are also potentially vulnerable.

“By recognising these impacts now, Tasmania still has the opportunity to become an early adaptor to climate change. This would allow us to reap the rewards in terms of jobs, growth and environmental protection.

(The Greens hold positions in the coalition state government. Check it out: http://mps.tas.greens.org.au/).