Millions of Aussies are at risk from losing their home due to rising sea levels, according to a landmark climate report.
The federal government released the national climate risk assessment on Monday which laid bare the devastating impact of the climate crisis for Australia.
In a chilling prediction, the report found that by 2050, 1.5million coastal residents would be at risk, rising to more than 3million by 2090.
The report noted how Australia’s populous coastal communities are at risk from flooding, erosion and inundation.
In Sydney, the assessment found the number of heat-related deaths could rise by almost 450 per cent if global heating surpasses three degrees.
The bombshell report stated no Australian community would be escape the ‘cascading, compounding and concurrent’ risks of climate change.
‘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,’ climate change minister, Chris Bowen, said.
‘Australia’s first national climate risk assessment and our national adaptation plan are a roadmap to address the unavoidable impacts of climate change, to build a more resilient country for all communities, regions and industries.’
A view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge shrouded in smog from nearby bushfires in Sydney, December, 2023
A resident stranded in flooded waters at her home in Port Macquarie, north of Sydney, May, 2025
The assessment studied the impact of climate-related hazards on different parts of the community, economy and environment under three global warming scenarios – above 1.5 per cent, above two percent and above three per cent.
Hazards included heatwaves, drought and floods.
The report, developed by the Australian Climate Service and climate change department, noted warming across the continent has already reached 1.5 per cent.
More to follow.
