Abstract - Lesley Hughes

Australia’s changing climate: Impacts on animals and ecosystems

The Earth’s climate is changing at a rate and scale almost unprecedented in its geological history. As the planet warms, the frequency and severity of extreme climate events, such as heatwaves, bushfires, floods and drought, are increasing. While all natural and human sectors are being affected, our wildlife and dependent animals are particularly vulnerable. The talk will briefly summarise global and Australian climate trends and outline the direct and indirect impacts on wildlife, livestock and pets.