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effect and start damaging the Australian economy.

The predicted disruption of rainfall patterns will also create enormous water shortage problems for many cities. We are already seeing evidence of this with Level 5 water restrictions being imposed in Brisbane. Residents are no longer allowed to use a hose in their gardens and must use a bucket to water at set times. Some of the local councils are strongly encouraging the installation of rainwater tanks as a response to the emerging threat of severe water shortage. Restrictions are already in place in other states and are increasing in severity.

The issue of climate change is also predicted to affect Public Health. The hotter climate will produce severe heat waves which result in the loss of human lives. The results of such heat waves have already been observed in the 2003 heat waves of Europe. The increase in temperature will also increase the rates of food poisoning and disease. Experts have predicted that up to 1.6 million people will be affected from diseases such as Dengue Fever which is transmitted through mosquitoes. This will also stretch the Australian economy with more money being spent on Public Health[1].

Australia's natural environment will also be affected by Global Warming. Experts state that a 1 c increase in temperature will result in a 50% reduction in mountain rainforests. Global climate models also predict that the changes in sea temperature will destroy much of the coral for which Australia is known. It is estimated that by 2030 most, if not all, of the coral reefs will be dead. This directly endangers the fishing and tourism industries with annual losses of $2 billion expected[1].

The results of climate change are already becoming apparent and will increase in severity. The government is now starting to address this issue as the public becomes increasingly concerned and great importance has placed on areas such as the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology and models of prediction that they produce.

"I expect climate change to affect all Australians. It is the Bureau's responsibility to provide decision makers and the general public with accurate observations and information about our changing climate."
Dr. Geoff Love, Director of Meteorology

It can be said with certainty that the problems of climate change are very important to the Australian community and have a high place on Australia's political agenda.

2. Who is involved in addressing the issue?

Now that the issue of climate change has

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