Imaginarium Science Centre's story of Change for Tasmania
Devonport, NW Tasmania, 21 June 2007
The Imaginarium Science Centre is situated in Devonport, NW Tasmania. With a population of 24,500, it is the port city for the twin Spirit of Tasmania ferries that bring travellers from the Australian mainland. It boasts quaint coastal hamlets, rugged coastline, wilderness and rainforest, all within a two-hour drive. However, many of these attractions could be under threat with climate change.
Tasmanian scientists support an international prediction by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that rising sea levels and storm surges could see 700m wiped off Tasmania's coastline by 2100. The Dept of Primary Industry and Water (DPIW) has produced a 2006 draft Climate Change Strategy for Tasmania citing recent studies which have highlighted the vulnerability of the Tasmanian coast to inundation and erosion due to sea-level rise and storm tides. This will have an increasingly significant impact on a broad range of infrastructure, development and natural systems in the Devonport area. In some Tasmanian areas experiencing less rainfall and higher temperatures, there will be a higher risk of bushfires.
However, not all outcomes are deemed to be negative. According to University of Tasmania (UTAS) climatologist, Dr M Nunez, "Tasmania's climate will become more like South Australia and that will give Tasmania a competitive edge. It is certainly going to be good for Tasmania. I think we will enjoy more sunny, warmer and drier conditions. The real negative for Tasmania is the shoreline problem".
More stories
Share, save, and syndicate Imaginarium Science Centre's story
