TASMANIA WILL BE TEPID -- RATHER THAN WARM ?

Global warming study predicts mixed results for Tas business. 06/07/2006. ABC News Online


Scientists in Hobart have evaluated the effect of climate change on Tasmania and say it will have mixed results for industry.
CSIRO oceanographer Peter McIntosh says new research conducted with the University of Tasmania shows global warming is expected to have a moderate effect on the state.
He says predicted changes to rainfall levels, evaporation rates and temperatures may influence the way companies such Hydro Tasmania use their infrastructure.
"They might have to think about the fact that they might get a bit more rainfall in winter or early spring so that's relevant to whether they may have to use their dams in a different way, use the water in a different way," Dr McIntosh said.
"They might also have to think about the slight increase in wind speed we're predicting in relation to their wind turbines."
University of Tasmania lecturer Steve Wilson has warned stakeholders that global warming will particularly affect the state's rural industries.
He says although the effects on Tasmania are likely to be moderate, other Australian wine growing regions are likely to suffer from higher temperatures and possibly increased occurrence of grape diseases.
"[However] the small increases in temperatures that we're looking at probably won't affect wine quality and for things like pinot noir and some of the other favoured varieties in Tasmania the future looks pretty good," Mr Wilson said.
"We've been feeding wine into a niche market - the high end top quality market - and I don't think that is likely to change, and our share of that is likely to increase."
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