One of the more difficult issues facing those involved in the management of bushfires is assessing the likely impact of climate change on the bushfire threat. The combination of climate, topography and vegetation in many areas of Australia, and in parts of New Zealand, combine to produce one of the most severe fire environments in the world.

Conversely, fire has been part of most of these environments for millions of years, largely shaping the composition and distribution of the native plants, animals and ecosystems that survive today. Indeed, a significant proportion of Australia’s unique biota has become largely dependent on fire and the attendant variety of fire regimes for its continued existence and development.

Any possibility that conditions in current bushfire-prone areas may become hotter, drier, and/or windier or that such areas may experience more frequent extreme ‘fire weather’ days, must be factored into future planning by fire authorities, land managers and the community.

The fire and land management agencies who are partners in the Bushfire CRC and members of AFAC have identified the issue of possible climate change as one of the most important strategic issues confronting bushfire managers in Australia and New Zealand.

Research found in this area of this site examines the effects of climate change on ecosystems, fire weather and fire regimes and looks at the impact this will have on fire fighting operations.