Every good drought is broken by rain

"Droughts are like Brussels sprouts: we don’t particularly enjoy them but deep down we know they are good for us."

Droughts, along with flooding rains, are features of the Australian outback, known for its "boom or bust" climate. Positive results of droughts include limiting the spread of weeds and feral animals to this region, while drought-hardy natives survive.

"It is not only the lack of rain that helps promote biodiversity, it is also the boom or bust nature of it. .... Spreading our rainfall...into boom and bust years is vital for the recruitment and survival of many species that occur in the outback."

Two height classes, or 'age cohorts' of native pines indicate that this region received above average rainfall for two consecutive years, both in 1956-57 and 1974-75. These 'big wets' are vital for the recruitment of many outback trees.

"Where climate change is accelerated or driven by the exhaust fumes of modern society, we have a responsibility to predict and prevent such influences wherever possible. if we don't, the outback will be a very different place in the future."