3.7 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The risk of climate change will affect the way in which water and power is supplied.

- The major environmental issue over the next decade is the risk of global warming associated with increased carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Among the potential consequences of climate change are increased frequency and intensity of weather events and changes in the pattern of rainfall.

- It is likely that emission trading schemes for greenhouse gases will become more widespread, with targets that are more robust and costly to achieve. Impacts may be felt in the transport and electricity sectors.

- Climate change could also increase storm frequency and severity.6 Although no significant changed pattern is expected to emerge during the next decade, change to construction standards to accommodate such weather conditions may impact construction costs.

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6 Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability, Australian Greenhouse Office, Allen Consulting Group, Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra 2005