National Climate Risk Assessment alarms more than scientists

THE release of the “National Climate Risk Assessment” (NCRA) earlier this week has alarmed climate groups around the country.

The assessment analyses 11 priority risks under three scenarios of 1.5°C, 2°C and 3°C warming.

The 3°C warming by 2090 scenario includes warnings that heat-related deaths will rise by 444 percent in Sydney and 423 percent in Darwin.

It predicts that up to 34 percent of coastal communities (more than three million people) could be at high or very high risk from regular coastal flooding, erosion and inundation and that disaster recovery funding could cost 7.2 times more than it does now.

There will be higher biosecurity risks and increases in the risk of food insecurity because climate hazards will reduce yields for some crops and increase livestock heat stress.

Species will be forced to move, adapt to the new conditions or die out, with 40 – 70 percent of native plant species exposed to climatic conditions they do not currently experience.

The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) said an emergency response from the Albanese government is essential.

Acting CEO, Dr Paul Sinclair, said children’s mental and physical health is being affected already, and those impacts are getting worse.

“An appropriate response to this alarm bell would be to rapidly phase out Australia’s coal and gas exports – because no matter where they are burned, they are harming Australians,” he said.

“To give Australians and our environment the best chance of holding global warming at the safest levels now possible, Australia should set a 2035 target of no less than 80 percent.”

United Firefighters Union of Australia National Secretary Greg McConville, said the reports highlighted the urgency of the task ahead of policymakers.

He said, “Firefighters are on the front lines of climate change – they put their lives on the line to protect life and property from bushfires and natural disasters.

“[The] reports show clearly that there are actions we must take today to prepare for a greater frequency and intensity of natural disasters in the coming years.

“It is critical that Australian governments invest in the people who protect our homes, towns, infrastructure and essential services so that Australia can be more resilient in the face of what’s coming.”

Serena Joyner, CEO of Bushfire Survivors For Climate Action said, “The findings in the National Climate Risk Assessment are shocking but not a surprise to our members, many of whom have faced down the terrifying reality of climate change and know what is coming.”

“This is a moment for Australia to be courageous and act as fast as possible in bringing down climate pollution, while properly investing in communities facing climate damage, to support them to be better prepared for the consequences.

“It’s only fair that the big coal, oil and gas corporations, that have been taking our country’s resources and making huge profits, should now help pay to clean up their mess through a climate pollution levy that will directly help these communities.”

Farmers, too, are worried.

Verity Morgan-Schmidt is the CEO of AgZero 2030, a group of West Australian farmers, and primary industry professionals and organisations, who have formed a movement to promote positive responses to Climate Change.

She said, “In response to the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment, West Australian farmers and rural communities need a strong, science-aligned climate target of at least a 75 percent reduction in emissions by 2035.”

The NCRA confirms what we’ve been feeling in the water for years,” Josh Kirkman, CEO of Surfers for Climate said.

“Rising seas, coastal erosion, flooding, and storms are hitting harder than ever — and without greater action, we may not be able to ride the waves we love.”

He said that with 80 percent of Australians living within 50km of the beach, the risks go far beyond surfing.

“We’re already seeing the devastating impact Climate Change is having along South Australia’s coastline.

“As we speak, coastal communities are suffering the dire consequences of the algal bloom that is also wreaking havoc on marine life.

“Protecting the climate isn’t just about protecting waves — it’s about protecting families, entire communities and our unique way of life.”

By Andrew VIVIAN