With a population just over 27 million, Australia is at a tipping point. Our nation is at a critical juncture where we must take action to mitigate the future impacts of climate change. Worsening climate predictions A new climate risk assessment report released Wednesday by Gov. Climate change will have “cascading, compounding, concurrent” impacts on the daily lives of Australians. The report highlights that by 2050, approximately 1.5 million Australians will be threatened by rising oceans, a figure that could escalate to nearly three million by 2090.
The Australian Climate Minister, Chris Bowen, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that it is “too late to avoid any impacts” from climate change. This shocking admission underscores the desperate need for change. The federal government has rightly come under fire for its lackluster approach to advancing climate policies.
Impacts on Communities and Ecosystems
The report emphasizes the significant threats posed by rising sea levels to homes, livelihoods, and cultural connections, particularly in vulnerable areas such as the Torres Strait Islands. These communities are at immediate risk of losing their homes and cultural practices if decisive measures are not taken soon.
Joanne Hill, a prominent advocate for climate action, stressed the urgency of the situation:
“Our coastal and island communities, particularly the Torres Strait Islands, are at immediate risk of losing their homes, their cultural practices and traditions if we do not do anything now.”
As climate change continues to worsen, Australia’s highly endemic species are in deep trouble. For some, they’ll have no choice but to evolve to climate change or go extinct. This biodiversity loss would inevitably wreak more havoc on ecosystems and threaten the stability of life all across the continent.
Economic Consequences of Climate Inaction
The economic effects of climate change are just as alarming. The IPA’s report expects heavy Australian property value losses. By 2050, these losses may reach AU$611 billion, with estimates reaching AU$770 billion by 2090. This shocking loss will have domino effects across multiple industries, hurting our homeowners, businesses and local economies.
Yet, in spite of these dire warnings, Australia keeps giving the greenlight to new fossil fuel projects. Recently, the government granted a 40-year extension to a major liquefied natural gas plant, raising questions about its commitment to addressing climate change. Critics argue that treating climate action as a political and economic liability has hindered progress in reducing heat-trapping carbon emissions.
Amanda McKenzie, a climate expert, pointed out that proactive measures could pave the way for a more sustainable future:
“We can choose a better future by cutting climate pollution harder and faster now.”
She suggested that the first most important step is enacting ambitious climate targets for 2035 and stopping new polluting developments.
The Urgency of Climate Action
Australia is preparing to announce its new emissions reduction targets under the Paris climate agreement. The sense of urgency to act has never been more pronounced. Under a 3°C increase in temperature, heat-related mortality in Sydney may increase more than 400%. This shocking number is just a glimpse at the direct health effects of climate change.
Chris Bowen’s remarks reflect a growing recognition that Australia is already experiencing the effects of climate change:
“We are living climate change now. It’s no longer a forecast, a projection or prediction—it is a live reality, and it’s too late to avoid any impacts.”
The call for such an emergency response has been growing louder from both scientists and advocates. Joanne Hill emphasized that immediate action is necessary:
“We cannot delay this emergency response anymore.”