1. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 CHAPTER 16 CURRENT TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

2. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 INTRODUCTION A warmer world Future agriculture Clean air Rising seas Water issues Habitat changes Human health Sustainable development Natural disasters

3. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 A WARMER WORLD Human factors in a warmer world Possible links to catastrophic weather extremes Curbing greenhouse emissions – a global problem –Likely patterns for Australia

4. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE Major income source and food security for Australians Warming, water stress and challenges for Agriculture

5. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 URBAN ATMOSPHERES Human impacts on the atmosphere Meeting transport needs and improving air quality in the future Strategies for minimising impacts of automobiles

6. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 RISING SEAS Relationship between global warming and sea level The geological record of sea level variation The projected future sea level from models Measurement records and model predictions

7. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 WATER ISSUES Water availability Drought and water sustainability Population questions and water quality issues Role of groundwater

8. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 HABITAT CHANGES Global expansion of human activities and habitat loss Species extinctions Global warming and habitat changes

9. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 HUMAN HEALTH Recent trends in human health patterns –Developing resistance to antibiotics –Increases in water-related diseases –Increase in asthma Changing age patterns, climates, and impacts in Australia

10. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Main issues at a global scale Precautionary principle Strategies to address sustainable development Costs and benefits

11. © Oxford University Press, 2008. All rights reserved. 1 Chapter 16 NATURAL DISASTERS Climate-related patterns in Australia –Drought –Flood –Cyclones and storms –Fire Geologically related patterns for Australia –Earthquake Impacts on the insurance industry