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https://theconversation.com/were-helping-farmers-access-future-climate-projections-as-easily-as-checking-the-weather-227761>
"How often do you check your local weather forecast? How about your local
climate projections for 2050? For many farmers, the answer to the first
question is all the time. But the answer to the second is almost certainly less
than that, even though this information is crucial for understanding
climate-related risks and opportunities on their patch.
We know climate change could slash Australian farm profits by as much as 32% if
agriculture continues as usual. Fortunately, farmers are very good at adapting
to other challenges. Developing a better understanding of how the climate will
change over the coming decades will help farmers prepare and adapt.
The decision-making process will vary depending on the location and the nature
of the business, but it will become increasingly important to engage and
respond to climate-related risks. These may include drought, flood, fire,
extreme heat or greater rainfall variability. The changing climate can also
present opportunities, such as being able to branch out into growing crops or
varieties not previously suited to that area.
We wanted to present this information to farmers in a more engaging and
meaningful way. So we designed a free tool called
My Climate View.
We also interviewed farmers to find out if (and how)
My Climate View might
help them identify or safeguard against future climate risks. Armed with this
knowledge, they might respond by shoring up on-farm water security,
diversifying their farming, or adapting their future investment decisions.
Whatever the case may be, our tool can get farmers thinking and talking about
climate in a different way. And that’s a great start. "
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
