A rise in temperature of 0.5 to 1 .O"C in the past century, resulting from an increased volume of atmospheric 'greenhouse' gases, has been caused by the burning of fossil fuels, industrial processes and agricultural activities. The consequences of this enhanced greenhouse effect by 2050 will be a 2.O"C rise in temperature, lower rainfall in eastern districts, and a 0.5 m rise in sea level. Likely impacts on the rural sector include the southward movement of crop types, the introduction of subtropical crops, an increase in the growing season, the shortening of crop maturation times, and an increase in the frost-free area. Water supplies may dwindle in eastern areas and more frequent, damaging cyclones might increase on-farm costs. Sea level rise may affect drainage in coastal areas and contaminate aquifers. Pests and weeds may increase in number and type. Strategic planning at farm and regional level is vital to accommodate the change. Keywords greenhouse gases, global warming, climate change, strategic planning, rural change
