1.5 Million Australians Living in Coastal Areas at Risk from Rising Sea Levels by 2050: Climate Risk Report
The report is described as the most significant body of climate research ever undertaken by the Australian government
Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment Report has revealed that 1.5 million Australians living in coastal areas could be directly impacted by rising sea levels by 2050. The landmark study warns that the nation has already warmed beyond 1.5°C, with each additional degree of warming set to trigger worsening climate impacts.
According to the report:
- Under a 1.5°C warming scenario, sea levels could rise by 0.14 metres.
- Under a 3°C scenario, sea levels could rise by 0.54 metres, with Queensland identified as home to 18 of the 20 most exposed regions.
- By 2030, about 597,000 Australians will already be living in areas newly exposed to sea level rise.
The assessment also highlights wider risks, including:
- Increased heatwave-related deaths
- Poorer water quality due to severe flooding and bushfires
- A projected A$611 billion ($406bn; £300bn) loss in property values
- Rising strain on health systems, infrastructure, ecosystems, and emergency services
The report stresses that northern Australia, remote communities, and outer suburbs of major cities face particularly high levels of risk.
Released just days before the federal government sets its 2035 emissions reduction target, the report is described as the most significant body of climate research ever undertaken by the Australian government, underscoring urgent calls for stronger adaptation and mitigation measures.
The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy
