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 examined 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 levels above 1.5C. The report highlighted that at 3C, heat-related deaths in Sydney may rise by more than 400% and nearly triple in Melbourne.
The 72-page report - released just days before the government announces its emissions reduction targets for 2035 - asserts that no Australian community will be immune from climate risks that will be cascading, compounding, and concurrent.
It warns of more heatwave-related deaths, poorer water quality due to severe flooding and bushfires, and a staggering A$611 billion (US$406 billion; £300 billion) drop in property values.
By 2050, the report predicts that the number of coastal communities in high and very high risk areas will increase significantly, endangering over 1.5 million individuals if current population levels are maintained.
Areas in northern Australia, along with remote communities and outer suburbs of major cities, are particularly vulnerable, the report indicated.
The study also points to increased pressure on public health, critical infrastructure, natural species, and ecosystems due to these climate risks, posing challenges for emergency responders.
Coral reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, both already suffering from severe bleaching events, face heightened risks of biodiversity loss due to warmer ocean temperatures.
Chris Bowen emphasized, One thing that is very clear from this climate assessment is that our whole country has a lot at stake. The cost of inaction will always outweigh the cost of action.
In response, the government has released a national adaptation plan outlining coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local authorities to combat climate issues.
Australia has pledged to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030, although it faces criticism for its ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.
Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie described the findings of the report as terrifying and urged for more aggressive emission reduction targets, asserting, Australia cannot afford a timid 2035 target when our own government data shows the catastrophic costs of inaction.
McKenzie concluded, The longer we delay the deep and sustained cuts to climate pollution we need, the harder it becomes to protect communities from escalating heatwaves, floods, and bushfire weather.
