australia Faces Escalating Climate Risks: New Report Highlights Urgent Need for Action
A recently released government report paints a stark picture of Australia’s future, warning that current extreme whether events are likely to become the “new normal” without notable and rapid reductions in climate pollution. The report underscores that all Australians will face increased risk, with particular vulnerability concentrated in several key regions.
The analysis identifies queensland, Tasmania, and New South Wales & the Australian capital Territory as areas facing the most significant and rapid increases in climate-related risks. Rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events pose a major threat to low-lying coastal areas, including major cities and external territories, potentially impacting 597,000 people by 2030 if populations remain stable.
Beyond coastal communities, the report highlights the existing vulnerabilities of remote communities due to limited infrastructure like telecommunications and fragile supply chains. Climate change is projected to exacerbate these challenges, potentially doubling freight costs in parts of Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
The report also emphasizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Peoples. Already experiencing adverse effects, these communities face further health and social disparities due to climate-driven displacement from traditional lands, reduced air quality, extreme heat, flooding, disruptions to healthcare, and energy insecurity. Loss of connection to Country can have profound consequences for wellbeing, including increased homelessness and weakened cultural ties.
the report stresses that the choices made today will determine the severity of future climate impacts. Continuing to rely on fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – will drive further global heating and increase the risk of catastrophic events.
The Climate Change Authority has proposed a target range of 65-75% reduction in climate pollution by 2035 (compared to 2005 levels). However, analysis commissioned by the Climate Council indicates that even a 75% reduction aligns with a warming trajectory of 2.3°C above pre-industrial levels, which is insufficient to adequately protect Australians.
Achieving net zero emissions by 2035 is identified as the only target offering a strong chance of limiting global warming to below 2°C. The report concludes that a more ambitious climate target set by the government will directly translate to greater safety and security for Australians.
The Climate Council has launched a petition urging the Australian government to adopt the strongest possible 2035 climate target and to implement urgent action to achieve it.
Download the full briefing paper here.
Note: Data referenced regarding the likelihood of limiting warming to 1.9°C with net zero by 2035 and a 75% reduction by 2030 is based on a per-capita fair share of the remaining carbon budget.
