chapter 4 - depth study 2

land cover change management

What is desalination?

The process of removing salt from seawater to create fresh drinking water, reducing reliance on rainfall and groundwater.

Example of desalination as climate adaptation.

Perth Seawater Desalination Plant (supplies ~45% of Perths water)

Response to decreased rainfall in SW WA (15% decline since 1970s).

Ensures secure water supply under climate change.

What are prescribed burns?

Controlled, low-intensity fires deliberately lit to reduce fuel loads and manage bushfire risk.

Example of prescribed burns as climate adaptation.

• WA DBCA burns ~200,000 ha/yr.

• Reduces severity of hotter, drier climate bushfires.

• Based on Aboriginal mosaic burning practices.

What are genetically modified (GM) species?

Plants or animals whose genetic material is altered to enhance traits such as drought, heat, or salinity tolerance.

Example of GM species as climate adaptation.

• WA Wheatbelt grows GM canola adapted to decreased rainfall and heat.

• Maintains yields under harsher conditions.

• Supports food security under climate change.

What is renewable energy?

Energy generated from natural sources that are replenished (e.g. solar, wind, hydro, geothermal), producing little or no greenhouse gas emissions.

Example of renewable energy mitigating climate change.

• WA’s Albany Wind Farm powers ~35,000 homes.

• Globally: Renewables supplied 30% of world electricity in 2023 (IEA).

• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels → ↓ CO₂ emissions.

How can dietary change mitigate climate change?

Shifting diets toward less resource-intensive foods (e.g. reducing red meat, increasing plant-based diets) to lower greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Example of dietary change mitigating climate change.

• Livestock = 14–18% of global GHG emissions

• Reducing beef intake in Australia could cut emissions by up to 25 Mt CO2

• Plant-based diets use ~75% less land than meat-based diets

How does Dirk Hartog Island – Return to 1616 address LCC?

• Largest ecological restoration project in Southern Hemisphere.

• Removal of 5,185 sheep, 11,133 goats, and feral cats.

• Reintroducing 13 native species (e.g. bandicoot, woylie).

• Restores biodiversity, reduces land degradation.

Evaluate Dirk Hartog Island using sustainability.

Environmental: 35% ↑ vegetation cover, 93% ↓ cats → biodiversity recovering.

• Social: education programs, eco-tourism growth.

• Economic: $16.7m+ invested; long-term eco-tourism offsets costs.

• Overall: Highly sustainable, but costly & long-term monitoring needed.

How does the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor address LCC?

• 200 km reforestation corridor in WA Wheatbelt.

• Restores 10,000 km² degraded farmland.

• Planting native species (York gum, acacia, eucalypts).

• Protects threatened species (Carnabys cockatoo, malleefowl).

Evaluate the Yarra Yarra Corridor using sustainability.

• Environmental: 20,000 ha restored; captures CO₂; habitat restored.

• Social: 50+ jobs created; Indigenous partnerships & cultural heritage protected.

• Economic: Generates carbon credits (valued up to $148 each); eco-services.

• Overall: Sustainable with co-benefits, but reliant on long-term funding & monitoring.