A new national climate report warns that millions of Australians will face worsening heatwaves, flooding, and sea-level rise by mid-century, urging stronger government action on emissions.
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen stressed the need for a firm 2035 emissions reduction target when releasing the report, which outlines severe social, economic, and environmental risks linked to global warming, already at 1.5°C across Australia.
The Australian Climate Service’s assessment models impacts under 1.5°C, 2°C, and 3°C warming scenarios, revealing heat-related deaths could rise by 444% in Sydney and 423% in Darwin at 3°C. Coastal flooding threatens 1.5 million residents by 2050, doubling by 2090. Economic damages from disasters could top $40 billion annually by mid-century, even with limited warming.
Bowen urged honesty with the public. “It’s important that we don’t gild the lily or downplay its impact in any way,” he stated. The report’s delay previously drew criticism that the government was trying to minimise its severity.
Environmental groups, scientists and social advocates immediately called for a 2035 emissions target beyond 75%. The federal cabinet is expected to set a goal between 65% and 75%, per advice from the Climate Change Authority.
Bowen acknowledged the target will be “controversial by definition” but insisted it would be ambitious yet achievable.
“There isn’t an Australian community that isn’t impacted by climate change going forward,” he added, stressing that “the cost of inaction will always outweigh the cost of action.”
Australia’s climate stance comes amid weakening global efforts, with the U.S. having exited the Paris Agreement and countries like Canada and New Zealand lowering ambitions. Bowen reiterated that “the science won’t change, the economics won’t change, and this government’s commitment won’t change.”
The government’s green credentials were questioned after approving an extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project to 2070, dubbed a “carbon bomb” by environmentalists. Bowen defended gas as part of the energy transition.
Climate groups called the findings “terrifying” and a “wake-up call,” while Greens leader Larissa Waters said a 65% target “means significant potential for loss of life and strain on health systems,” accusing the government of prioritising fossil fuel profits over safety and nature.
The report will be examined in a parliamentary inquiry amid frustration over its delayed release. It seeks to guide community preparedness but warns that without urgent emissions cuts, Australia faces a perilous future of health, economic and environmental crises.