One and a half million Australians living in coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, a landmark climate report has warned. Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment predicted more frequent and severe climate hazards like floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires.
Australians are already living with the consequences of climate change today, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said, but it's clear every degree of warming we prevent now will help future generations avoid the worst impacts in years to come.
The report looked at three global warming scenarios - above 1.5C, above 2C, and above 3C. Australia, one of the world's biggest polluters per capita, has already reached warming of above 1.5C. The report noted that at 3C, heat-related deaths in Sydney may rise by more than 400%, and almost triple in Melbourne.
The 72-page report released days before the government announces its emissions reduction targets for 2035 found that no Australian community will be immune from climate risks that will be cascading, compounding, and concurrent. It warned of more heatwave-related deaths, poorer water quality due to severe flooding and bushfires, and property values to drop by A$611bn (approximately $406bn or £300bn).
By 2050, the report estimated the number of coastal communities located in high and very high-risk areas will increase. If population levels remain constant, this could put more than 1.5 million people at risk. Areas in northern Australia, along with remote communities and outer suburbs of major cities, were particularly at risk.
The dangers extend beyond human life. The report also indicated that coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, could face increased bleaching and biodiversity loss due to warmer oceans.
Minister Bowen emphasized the critical importance of addressing climate risks, stating, The cost of inaction will always outweigh the cost of action. In response to the report, the government has released a national adaptation plan to tackle these issues, highlighting an ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target as a priority. Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie urged for higher emissions cuts, warning that delaying deep and sustained cuts to climate pollution could exacerbate threats from extreme weather patterns.
Australians are already living with the consequences of climate change today, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said, but it's clear every degree of warming we prevent now will help future generations avoid the worst impacts in years to come.
The report looked at three global warming scenarios - above 1.5C, above 2C, and above 3C. Australia, one of the world's biggest polluters per capita, has already reached warming of above 1.5C. The report noted that at 3C, heat-related deaths in Sydney may rise by more than 400%, and almost triple in Melbourne.
The 72-page report released days before the government announces its emissions reduction targets for 2035 found that no Australian community will be immune from climate risks that will be cascading, compounding, and concurrent. It warned of more heatwave-related deaths, poorer water quality due to severe flooding and bushfires, and property values to drop by A$611bn (approximately $406bn or £300bn).
By 2050, the report estimated the number of coastal communities located in high and very high-risk areas will increase. If population levels remain constant, this could put more than 1.5 million people at risk. Areas in northern Australia, along with remote communities and outer suburbs of major cities, were particularly at risk.
The dangers extend beyond human life. The report also indicated that coral reefs, including the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, could face increased bleaching and biodiversity loss due to warmer oceans.
Minister Bowen emphasized the critical importance of addressing climate risks, stating, The cost of inaction will always outweigh the cost of action. In response to the report, the government has released a national adaptation plan to tackle these issues, highlighting an ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target as a priority. Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie urged for higher emissions cuts, warning that delaying deep and sustained cuts to climate pollution could exacerbate threats from extreme weather patterns.
