A landmark report has warned that rising oceans and climate-induced flooding could threaten the homes and livelihoods of over 1.5 million Australians by 2050, while heat-related deaths are expected to soar.
The national climate risk assessment highlighted that rising temperatures will have “cascading, compounding, concurrent” impacts across Australia, home to more than 27 million people.
Climate Minister Chris Bowen emphasized that climate change is already a present reality, not a distant projection, and that some impacts are now unavoidable.
According to the report, by 2050, 1.5 million people living in coastal areas will be at risk from sea-level rise and coastal flooding, with the number rising to about three million by 2090.
Rising seas particularly threaten homes, livelihoods, and cultural heritage in areas such as the Torres Strait Islands, which are experiencing sea-level rise faster than the global average.
The report estimates Australian property losses could reach A$611 billion (US$406 billion) by 2050, rising to A$770 billion by 2090. In Sydney, heat-related deaths could increase by more than 400% if temperatures rise by 3°C.
Australia’s unique wildlife will also face pressure to adapt, relocate, or risk extinction as climate impacts intensify.
Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council, described the findings as “terrifying,” urging stronger climate action, including ambitious 2035 emission targets and halting new polluting projects.
Despite recent efforts to reduce emissions and expand renewable energy, the Australian government continues to approve fossil fuel projects, including a 40-year extension for the North West Shelf gas facility, drawing criticism from Indigenous and environmental groups.
Bowen noted that transitioning to a greener future presents “complicated and complex” challenges but stressed that Australia has world-leading renewable energy resources to support the shift.
