Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: Executive Summary Climate Change 2001:Working Group II:Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability:Chapter 12: Australia and New Zealand

The Australia and New Zealand Region: This region spans the tropics to mid-latitudes and has varied climates and ecosystems, including deserts, rainforests, coral reefs, and alpine areas. The climate is strongly influenced by the surrounding oceans. The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon leads to floods and prolonged droughts, especially in eastern Australia and parts of New Zealand.