Region 'highly carbon exposed' but opportunities exist
Published on 12 February, 2010
The Rockhampton region is 'highly carbon exposed' and more than 20% of businesses in certain sectors would probably leave their industry if the temperature was to rise by 1 degree.
Meanwhile, nearly half of businesses would definitely or probably leave their industry if regional rainfall fell by 100mm.
That's according to CQUniversity researcher Dr Susan Kinnear, who says the region is distinctive because of the number and types of industries and the extent to which climate change will affect them.
She will this month (Feb 23) showcase her fresh report on how businesses can respond to the localised impacts they are likely to face due to climate change.
Dr Kinnear's address on the ClimatePrimerCQ report is one of those planned for a forum in Rockhampton entitled 'Central Queensland Carbon Forums - A Local Perspective', presented by Rockhampton Regional Development (RRD) and supported by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.The forum will be held at the DPI Conference Centre in Yeppoon Road.
Forums will also be held in Emerald and Biloela, with details available via Sharyn.Lowth@rrdl.com.au . Confirm your booking now!. More information & registration forms are available for Rockhampton, Emerald and Biloela forums.
Susan's report is based on the collection of baseline data on climate change awareness and preparedness in the Rockhampton region and includes the latest modelling estimates for local climate change.
"Businesses in the Rockhampton region remain uncertain and unconvinced of climate change," she said.
"The potential opportunities of climate change in this region include the potential to access the carbon economy, increased government incentives, and changing business operations to create eco-efficiencies.
"Meanwhile, risks include how to respond to the uncertainty of climate change, concerns about new government taxes and how to meet climate challenges with limited resources and escalating costs."
Dr Kinnear said there was strong evidence to support a regionally-based approach to managing climate change in Central Queensland. She said the sooner that climate change action was undertaken, the sooner the region would benefit.
CQUniversity is a member of the CQ Carbon Network and ClimatePrimerCQ has been co-funded by CQUniversity and RRD. Dr Kinnear is Leader of the Sustainable Regional Development Program of the Centre for Environmental Management at the University.