A new, comprehensive climate report has revealed that approximately 1.5 million Australians residing in coastal regions face significant risk from rising sea levels by the year 2050.
Australia’s inaugural National Climate Risk Assessment projects an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related hazards, including floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires.
“Australians are already experiencing the tangible consequences of climate change,” stated Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. “However, it is evident that each degree of warming we prevent now will be instrumental in mitigating the most severe impacts for future generations.”
The report assessed three distinct global warming scenarios: exceeding 1.5C, surpassing 2C, and exceeding 3C.
The report indicated that Australia, despite being one of the world’s highest per capita polluters, has already experienced warming exceeding 1.5C. It further noted that at 3C, heat-related fatalities in Sydney could increase by over 400%, and nearly triple in Melbourne.
The 72-page report, published ahead of the government’s announcement of its emissions reduction targets for 2035, concludes that no Australian community will be immune to climate risks, which will be “cascading, compounding and concurrent.”
The report forecasts an increase in heatwave-related deaths, a decline in water quality due to severe flooding and bushfires, and a potential drop in property values by A$611 billion ($406 billion; £300 billion).
The report projects that by 2050, the number of coastal communities in “high and very high risk areas” in Australia will rise, placing over 1.5 million people at risk, assuming current population levels persist.
Regions in northern Australia, remote communities, and outer suburbs of major cities are identified as particularly vulnerable.
“This will place strain on health, critical infrastructure, natural species and ecosystems, and primary industries,” the report cautions, while also presenting additional challenges for emergency responders.
The report also highlights that coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, already impacted by record bleaching events, will face heightened risks of “bleaching and biodiversity loss” due to rising ocean temperatures.
“One clear takeaway from this climate assessment is that our entire country has a significant stake in this issue,” Bowen stated. “The cost of inaction will invariably outweigh the cost of taking action.”
In response to the report, the government has unveiled a national adaptation plan, outlining collaborative strategies for federal, state, and local governments to address climate issues, according to Bowen.
“We will also establish an ambitious and achievable 2035 target, informed by guidance from the independent Climate Change Authority,” he added, referring to the advisory body on climate policy.
Australia has committed to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 but faces criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels.
Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie described the report’s findings as alarming and urged the government to commit to more substantial emissions cuts.
“Australia cannot afford a lenient 2035 target when our own government data underscores the catastrophic costs of inaction,” said the head of the non-profit organization.
“The longer we delay the deep and sustained reductions in climate pollution that are necessary, the more challenging it becomes to protect communities from escalating heatwaves, floods, and bushfire weather.”
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