Spatial and temporal scales of future climate information for climate change adaptation in viticulture: A case study of User needs in the Australian winegrape sector

Abstract

Background and Aims: Which characteristics make future climate change information valuable for on-ground decision making for adaptation in the winegrape sector? And at what spatial and temporal scales will it be needed by Users? Methods and Results: This paper presents the results of a two-stage mixed methods study conducted with viticulturists, winemakers and industry representatives in the winegrape sector in Australia. For long-term decision making, participants focus on the concept of future climate analogues as being the most useful form of future climate information. Information provided at spatial scales the size of growing regions adequately meets the needs of most of these Users; and is wanted over time frames of five to 20 years into the future. Importantly, almost three quarters of the participants indicated that the uncertainty surrounding future climate change would not stop them from considering climate change when making decisions about adapting their practices. Conclusions: This research suggests that the outputs of future climate models are typically presented at the wrong spatial and temporal scales and in a format which is not appropriate for Users in viticulture in Australia. Significance of the Study: This study broadens the research on the perspectives of end Users concerning information needs for long-term decision making for climate change adaptation to include the viticulture sector.