One and a half million Australians living in coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, according to a landmark climate report. Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment predicts increasingly frequent and severe hazards including floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires. "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." The report examined three global warming

One and a half million Australians living in coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, according to a landmark climate report. Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment predicts increasingly frequent and severe hazards including floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires. "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." The report examined three global warming scenarios above 1.5C, above 2C, and above 3C. It found that Australia, one of the world's biggest polluters per capita, has already reached warming above 1.5C. At 3C of warming, the study warned, heat-related deaths in Sydney could rise by more than 400% and almost triple in Melbourne. The 72-page document, released just days before the government sets its emissions reduction targets for 2035, cautioned that no Australian community will be immune from risks that will be "cascading, compounding and concurrent." It projected more heat-related deaths, poorer water quality from floods and bushfires, and a potential A$611 billion ($406bn; £300bn) drop in property values. By 2050, the number of coastal communities in "high and very high risk areas" is expected to rise significantly. If population levels remain steady, more than 1.5 million Australians will be exposed to danger. The report highlighted northern Australia, remote communities, and outer suburbs of major cities as being particularly vulnerable. "This will put pressure on health, critical infrastructure, natural species and ecosystems, and primary industries," it said, adding that emergency services will also face mounting challenges. Australia’s coral reefs including the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia are also expected to face greater risks of bleaching and biodiversity loss due to warming oceans. "One thing that is very clear from this climate assessment is that our whole country has a lot at stake," Bowen stressed. "The cost of inaction will always outweigh the cost of action." In response, the government unveiled a national adaptation plan to guide cooperation between federal, state, and local governments on climate resilience. "We will also set an ambitious and achievable 2035 target, informed by advice from the independent Climate Change Authority," Bowen said. Australia has pledged to cut emissions by 43% by 2030, but critics argue the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels undermines those goals.

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