By 2050, more than 1.5 million Australians could face dual crisis from rising oceans and flooding caused by climate change.
The National Climate Risk Assessment, released on Monday, reported that Australia’s degree of warming has been increased by 1.5C. Specifically, Melbourne heat-related deaths may rise by 60% and in Sydney they will almost double.
The report warned that there will be more heat-related illness and more frequent and extreme climate events are predicted to happen in Australia. Rising temperatures will have “cascading, compounding, concurrent” impacts on the daily life of millions of people.
Moreover, disaster-related costs could reach $40.3 billion annually, while property values are expected to drop $611 billion.
“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.”
By 2030, Australia plans to cut carbon emissions by 43% and by 2050, they hope to achieve net-zero emissions.
Bowen added that the government would soon set an “ambitious and achievable 2035 target, informed by advice from the independent Climate Change Authority.”
The National Adaptation Plan, a separate government paper, outlines how Australia might lessen global warming risks. But it warns that sea level rises are unavoidable and Australians must adapt.
Photo: A Red and Green House Surrounded with Water by Serge Lavoie found HERE and used under a Creative Commons licence. The image has not been modified.
