Weather News

Outback warned to prepare for more extreme heat

Adelaide University researchers have made dire climate change forecasts for the far north of South Australia.

The researchers are working with the Arabunna people to develop an adaptation plan for the region's Indigenous population.

Research has estimated the number of days above 40 degrees Celsius at Oodnadatta will increase from 37 to 47 annually by 2030.

Report author John Tibby said the community will have to adapt to drier, hotter conditions.

"This research really tries to take what's sometimes relatively-obscure scientific research and have a conversation with the community about what adaptation strategies would be best suited to dealing with these changes," he said.

Arabunna group chairman Aaron Stuart said changing weather would affect people's health and local bush tucker supplies.

"Those degrees what they're talking about is going to create a lot of health problems, let alone on our resources in the bush - what we use for traditional purposes or bush medicines," he said.


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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