Australia will suffer extreme climate events more frequently – and often simultaneously – putting severe strain on health and emergency services, critical infrastructure and primary industries, according to a government report released on Monday.
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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 says, with the government warning that natural ecosystems and biodiversity will face major challenges.
“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,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said in a statement.
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Australia state swings from bushfires to flash floods in 24 hours
Australia state swings from bushfires to flash floods in 24 hours
The report, the first comprehensive assessment of risks posed by climate change across Australia, showed that the northern parts of the country, remote communities and outer suburbs of major cities would be particularly susceptible, Bowen said.
“Australians are already living with the consequences of climate change today but it’s clear every degree of warming we prevent now will help future generations avoid the worst impacts in years to come,” Bowen said.
A national adaptation plan was also released by Bowen, which he said would guide Australia’s response to the report’s findings. It would set out a framework for federal, state and local governments to better coordinate action, he added.
Bowen said the government would announce soon the next step in its plans to lower carbon emissions and set “an ambitious and achievable 2035 target”.