Climate change pressure on Fraser Island
You are viewing an archived copy of the 2017 report.
Key finding
Climate change is predicted to impact on some of the physical characteristics of the Fraser Island World Heritage Area.
Fraser Island (information applies statewide, map locations are for reference only)
While the island and many of its values are a consequence of past variations in climate and sea level, significant risks are associated with predicted future climate and sea level changes. Longer term sea-level rise is expected to result in disruption to sand supply, erosion and sea water inundation. These changes, together with altered rainfall patterns and increased severity of extreme weather events could impact most of the island’s Outstanding Universal Value attributes. The scale and severity of this threat requires further research and monitoring.
In the short-term, this threat is considered to be ‘moderate’ however, as the effects of climate change become more pronounced over the medium-to long term, the threat will move to ‘very high’.
More information:
Indicator: Climate change
Climate change pressure on the Fraser Island World Heritage Area.