Future Challenges Climate Change The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) argues that the increase in the average global temperature since the mid-20th century most likely has resulted from higher levels of greenhouse gases due to human activity. Wetland ecosystems are some of the most vulnerable to climate change. Higher temperatures and decreased rainfall detrimentally affect Perth’s wetlands. Wetlands can help reduce both the level of future greenhouse gas emissions and the adverse effects of global warming. Some wetlands, especially peatlands, mangroves and saltmarshes, hold large stores of carbon. Protecting them from damage and destruction can prevent the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Ramsar Convention on Wetlands 2011). The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance recommends that in order to mitigate the effects of climate change we should avoid or minimise other (non-climate related) threats to wetlands so that these ecosystems are as extensive and healthy as possible, restore wetlands that have been damaged or destroyed, and identify opportunities for wetland creation where this would have clear benefits for adapting to climate change. Conservation and well-planned, thoughtful use of existing wetlands, combined with restoration of destroyed or damaged wetlands, needs to be part of a wider, properly integrated response to climate change Ramsar Convention on Wetlands 2011 Development and Over Extraction from Underground Aquifers Over the past decade Perth has undergone a population explosion and this influx of people has had a significant impact upon the ‘place’ of the world’s most isolated city. Between 2006 and 2011, Perth’s population grew 14.3 per cent in just five years. A recent Australian Bureau of Statistics report asks, ‘have you ever tried to fit into a shirt less than half your size?’ The report suggests that Perth will face this kind of scenario over the next forty years as the population increases from around two million currently to nearly 3.8 million in 2050 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2008). Perth’s remaining wetlands are under threat from the expansion of the metropolitan area, building of road infrastructure, and over-extraction of water from underground aquifers. Planning for the conservation of the last 10% of wetlands is needed to ensure their survival into the future. Acid Sulphate Soils Hydrogeologist Steve Appleyard compares the regional impacts of the acidification of soil and shallow groundwater on woodlands and wetlands in Perth to the historical effects of “acid rain” in Europe and North America. Disturbance of acid sulphate soils by drainage, dewatering or soil excavation can cause significant environmental and economic impacts including fish kills; loss of biodiversity in wetlands and waterways; and contamination of surface and ground water resources by acids, arsenic, heavy metals and other contaminants (Appleyard, Wong et al. 2004). The 2004 Proposed Framework For Managing Acid Sulfate Soils published by the Western Australian Government recommends the prevention of the disturbance of acid sulfate soils wherever possible. Excavation of Perth Railway Station in the bed of Lake Kingsford 2012 Image copyright Image by Orderinchaos. Licensed under Creative Commons. Bibra Lake 2010. Image copyright Nandi Chinna Bibra Lake 2010. Image copyright Nandi Chinna ‹ Biodiversity Miasmas and Evil Airs ›