Australia Releases First National Climate Risk Assessment

Canberra: The federal government has unveiled Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, identifying 63 nationally significant threats posed by climate change from species loss and food insecurity to rising sea levels and deadly heatwaves.

The report warns that 1.5 million Australians could be at risk from coastal inundation by 2050 unless global warming is limited, and that heat‑related deaths are expected to rise sharply. It also highlights risks to agriculture, water security, and public health.

In response, the government has released a National Adaptation Plan, outlining strategies to protect communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the findings would guide policy and investment decisions, while the government is also set to announce its 2035 emissions reduction target later this week.

Environmental groups welcomed the assessment but urged faster action, warning that adaptation alone will not prevent worsening impacts without deep emissions cuts.