This discussion paper argues that assumptions of future water abundance are dangerously flawed. It presents original data analysis of Australia's water use over the past four decades, and summarises recent studies of the impacts of climate change on water availability. The paper reviews recent urban water demand and population projections and examines the costs and...

The relationship between population and climate change is complex. This paper reviews the evidence, and includes unique insights by lead author Ian Lowe, who has been involved in climate policy and research in Australia from its very beginning in the 1980s.

This paper argues that with rapid population growth, Australia’s infrastructure backlog can only increase. There can never be enough decentralisation, planning or investment to enable infrastructure to keep pace with increasing demands.