Key points
- National adaptation plan to guide response
- Government targets net-zero by 2050
- Labor criticised predecessor’s climate inaction
SYDNEY, Australia: Australia is expected to face more frequent and often simultaneous extreme climate events, placing significant pressure on healthcare, emergency services, infrastructure, and key industries, according to a government climate report released on Monday.
The National Climate Risk Assessment warns that no part of the country will be spared from climate-related threats, which will be “cascading, compounding, and concurrent.” Natural ecosystems and biodiversity are also predicted to come under serious strain, reports Reuters.
“While we can no longer avoid climate impacts, every action we take today toward our goal of net zero by 2050 will help avoid the worst impacts on Australian communities and businesses,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said in a statement.
Assessment of climate risks
This is the first in-depth assessment of climate risks across Australia. Bowen said the findings show that northern regions, remote communities, and outer urban areas are particularly vulnerable.
“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,” Bowen said.
Alongside the report, Bowen unveiled a national adaptation plan intended to shape Australia’s response. He said the plan would provide a framework to improve coordination between federal, state, and local governments.
Cutting carbon emissions
Bowen added that the government would soon announce the next phase of its strategy to cut carbon emissions, including “an ambitious and achievable 2035 target.”
Since coming to power in 2022, the centre-left Labor government has allocated A$3.6 billion (£1.9 billion) to climate adaptation initiatives, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050.
In contrast, the former conservative government was criticised by clean energy advocates for falling behind global standards on emissions policy.
