Australia faces cascading climate risks, says government report

Australia will suffer extreme climate events more frequently — and often simultaneously — putting severe strains on health and emergency services, critical infrastructure and primary industries, a government climate report said on Sept 15.

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No Australian community will be immune from climate risks that will be cascading, compounding and concurrent, the National Climate Risk Assessment report said, with the government warning that natural ecosystems and biodiversity will face major challenges.

The report, the first comprehensive assessment of risks posed by climate change across Australia, showed the northern parts of the country, remote communities and outer suburbs of major cities will be particularly susceptible.

Among the conclusions were that heatwaves will become more frequent and deadly, while rising sea levels will put millions at risk and plants and animals will have to move, adapt or die.

In a statement, Energy Minister Chris Bowen said: “While we can no longer avoid climate impacts, every action we take today towards our goal of net zero by 2050 will help avoid the worst impacts on Australian communities and businesses.”