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Caves face climate change threat

Posted on August 3, 2009, 5:05pm

The Federal Government has warned the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves could be damaged by climate change.

According to the report — prepared by the Australian National University — the mammal sites at the caves were among 17 World Heritage-listed sites under threat.

Greater erosion through flash flooding and changes in rainwater pH could damage these historically important South East mammal fossil sites.

The report calls for a more detailed examination of the potential threat at the high-profile South East tourist attraction.

Other World Heritage sites listed include the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, Lord Howe Island, the Tasmanian wilderness and the greater Blue Mountains.

The report claims reduced rainfall, higher sea and land surface temperatures, more severe storm events, ocean acidification and rising sea levels could impact negatively on these iconic Australian features.

The document is the first comprehensive report by any country into the impacts of climate change on all of its World Heritage properties.

“The disintegration of our World Heritage areas would be an irreparable loss to our local communities and the global community,” Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett said.

“We must act now to ensure they are conserved for the future.”

He said the report showed the Great Barrier Reef was particularly under threat.

“Its network of reefs, about 2900 in total, is the largest and most complex coral reef system in the world,” Mr Garrett said.

“It is also home to significant biodiversity such as six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles, one the world’s most important dugong populations and is an important breeding area for humpback and other whale species.”

Senator Penny Wong said the report showed the need for urgent action on climate change.

“We need to act now to protect Australia’s unique environment, especially these World Heritage sites that support so many Australian workers in the tourism and hospitality industry,” she said.

Senator Wong said efforts to reduce carbon pollution were essential to securing Australia’s future prosperity.

“In 11 days, the parliament will vote on legislation to start reducing carbon pollution for the first time ever,” she said.

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