Millions of Australians at risk from rising sea levels and heat deaths to soar, national climate risk assessment report warns

"The number of heat-related deaths in Sydney could surge by almost 450% if global heating surpasses 3C, according to a landmark report that finds no Australian community would be immune from the cascading, compounding and concurrent risks of a worsening climate. The report also lays bare the heightened risk from rising sea levels on Australia's populous coastal communities, including flooding, erosion and inundation. It finds that by 2050, 1.5 million coastal residents would be at risk, rising to more than 3 million by 2090."

"The federal government on Monday released the long-awaited national climate risk assessment, providing the most detailed picture of the severe and far-reaching social and economic impact of the climate crisis for Australia. Developed by the Australian Climate Service and the climate change department, the inaugural assessment modelled the impact of climate-related hazards such as heatwaves, drought and floods, on different parts of the community, economy and environment under three global warming scenarios above 1.5C, above 2C and above 3C."

Warming across the Australian continent has already reached 1.5C. Heat-related deaths could surge dramatically if global warming exceeds 3C, with Sydney projected to see a 444% increase and Darwin 423%. Sea level rise threatens populous coastal communities, placing 1.5 million residents at risk by 2050 and over 3 million by 2090. Direct costs from floods, bushfires, storms and cyclones could reach $40bn a year by 2050 even under modest warming. Losses in property value could total $611bn by 2050 and $770bn by 2090. Heatwaves could cost 2.7 million workdays under a 3C scenario, increasing strain on health systems and potential loss of life.

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