A recent climate report highlights significant risks posed by climate change to Australia, particularly for coastal communities. The National Climate Risk Assessment indicates that by 2050, approximately 1.5 million Australians living in these areas may face threats from rising sea levels. The report foresees an increase in severe climate hazards, including floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires.
Australia, noted for being one of the largest per capita polluters, has already exceeded a 1.5°C increase in temperature. The report warns that if global warming reaches 3°C, heat-related deaths in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne could rise sharply. It emphasizes that no Australian community will be insulated from these climate risks, which are expected to be compounded and concurrent, affecting health, infrastructure, ecosystems, and primary industries.
Specifically, northern Australia, remote communities, and outer suburbs of major cities are identified as being particularly vulnerable. The report indicates that climate change could lead to increased mortality from heatwaves, deteriorating water quality from severe flooding, and potential declines in property values amounting to A$611 billion (approximately $406 billion).
Coral reefs in Australia, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, face heightened risks of bleaching and biodiversity loss due to warming oceans. The report suggests that the consequences of not addressing these issues could be severe and costly.
In response to the findings, the government is expected to announce its emissions reduction targets for 2035, aiming to cut emissions by 43% by 2030. However, critics have urged the government to adopt more aggressive measures to combat climate change to mitigate the projected impacts outlined in the report.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c930454e77xo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss