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vulnerability risks and to identify opportunities for adaptation through a built-form and/or services
response.
x
According to trends, growth in population will increase demand for electricity, further adding pressure
upon the region’s energy supply during peak times. Power loss, limited and/or expensive supply
presents health and commercial dangers to the region. Investigation into emerging power supply
trends and options for the Study Area, including decentralised systems may reveal new adaptation
solutions through greater diversity of power options.
x
More frequent and severe heatwaves are likely to impact on the community’s health. The region will
have a greater proportion of people depending on the services of the community. The implications of
a changing climate on a population with a high proportion of dependents are not well understood.
Additional research regarding the climate impacts of demographic change is needed.
x
Human behaviours may change in response to extreme heat events that cause increases in health
risks. This can impact on a wide cross section of the region’s activities that are undertaken outdoors,
including for example commercial and public works, education events and schedules, volunteering,
recreation and fitness, music and sports events, and weekend markets.
x
Rising temperatures may affect the quality of air
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in the Study Area. Warmer temperatures may
exacerbate air quality issues, particularly in proximity to industrial areas, arterial roads etc. It is
recommended that further analysis of air quality in the region be undertaken to understand the
potential risks and long term measures to manage these.
x
Climate change impacts are likely to increase competition for land across the Study Area. Natural
forces such as inundation and flooding, as well as ecological requirements will be competing with the
population’s own needs to accommodate growth and human adaptation responses.
x
The changing population and heightened health risks associated with rising temperature and other
factors may change the demand for services from the community, for which there is likely to be
continued competing priorities. It is recommended that a services demand assessment be
undertaken subsequent to more detailed community risk assessment. This will inform priorities for
adaptation responses.
14.4. A Changing Industry and Employment Base
The size and nature of jobs and economic activity in Western Adelaide into the future is a major influence
of the region’s resilience to climate change. This is because different economic sectors are better able to
withstand and adapt to changes in climate and weather patterns than others.
In general, diversity in economic output and jobs reduces vulnerability because it lessens dependence on
a single industry/sector. It is a strength to have a number of strong economic sectors because if one
sector should struggle to adapt to a changing environment, the entire regional economy does not suffer.
Diversity in economic activity also reduces vulnerability because the available jobs are more likely to
match the skill set of an increasingly diverse community (and thus labour force).
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Climate change alters the concentration and distribution of air pollutants and interferes with the seasonal presence of allergenic
pollens in the atmosphere by prolonging these periods. (D’Amato, 2010).
