- For the Top End expected population growth, a rise in heat-related illness and death for those over 65 and the possible spread of vector-borne, water-borne and food-borne disease could, in turn, increase pressure on medical and hospital services.
- Although little change in annual rainfall is expected here, the region is likely to become warmer with a tendency for more frequent and severe droughts and more severe storm events.
- Growth in peak summer energy demand, due to air-conditioning use, may increase the risk of blackouts.
- Livestock may be affected by increased heat stress.
- Urban water security may be threatened by increases in demand and higher evaporation and reduced runoff causing reductions in water supply.
- Increases in extreme storm events are expected to cause more cyclone damage, flash flooding and fires. This may challenge emergency services and affect infrastructure including water, sewerage and stormwater, transport and communications.
- In coastal areas infrastructure and wetlands may be vulnerable to sea level rise and inundation.
- Centres dependent upon vulnerable industries such as agriculture and tourism may be adversely affected.
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