Leslie Massey
Climate change has had a profound impact on Australia and its population. The country has experienced a significant increase in average temperatures, with a rise of over 1.5 °C since the beginning of the 20th century, and a warming rate that has doubled in the past 50 years compared to the previous 50. This has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, and floods, affecting human lives, property, crops, and infrastructure. Australia's changing climate poses challenges to individuals, communities, governments, and businesses, particularly in coastal areas, where most of the population resides. The impacts of climate change have been exacerbated for Indigenous Australians due to existing socio-economic disadvantages and their connection to traditional lands, resulting in health and mental health issues. While Australia is well-positioned to adapt to the impacts of climate change compared to developing nations, the compounding risks of climate change have significant consequences for human well-being and public health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Australia's average temperature has increased by 1.44 °C ± 0.24 °C since national records began in 1910. Oceans around Australia have warmed by 1°C since 1910. |
| Heatwaves | Pronounced heatwaves have led to a significant increase in mortality, with a 5% increase in all-cause mortality in Queensland between July 2010 and January 2019. |
| Wildfires | Unprecedented wildfires have overwhelmed emergency management and health systems, leading to acute and chronic health impacts and deaths. |
| Floods | Queensland is the state most impacted by floods, with New South Wales (NSW) being the second most impacted. |
| Rainfall | Rainfall in southwestern Australia has decreased by 10–20% since the 1970s, while southeastern Australia has also experienced a moderate decline since the 1990s. |
| Sea Levels | Sea levels are projected to rise between 45 and 82 cm by 2090, threatening housing, infrastructure, and coastal communities. |
| Health | Climate change has resulted in a decline in the health of Indigenous Australians, including mental health, due to their connection to the land and traditional cultural practices. |
| Socio-economic Issues | Indigenous Australians face disadvantages such as inadequate health and educational services, limited employment, and insufficient infrastructure, making them more vulnerable to climate change impacts. |
| Displacement | Rising sea levels and extreme weather events may lead to the displacement of human populations, particularly in coastal areas. |
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What You'll Learn
Rising temperatures and extreme heat
Australia's climate has been getting hotter and more prone to extreme heat since the beginning of the 21st century. The country has experienced an increase of over 1.5 °C in average annual temperatures since 1910, with warming occurring twice as fast in the past 50 years compared to the previous 50. The number of days that break heat records has doubled in the past 50 years, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
The impact of rising temperatures and extreme heat is a significant challenge, particularly for cities, due to the 'urban heat island effect'. This effect is caused by the presence of roads, buildings, and dark roofs that trap and absorb heat more than green spaces, making urban areas warmer than the surrounding land. The increase in temperature and heatwaves has led to a decline in the health of an already vulnerable population, including mental health. Heatwaves have caused more human deaths in Australia than any other single extreme weather event, with heat contributing to the deaths of over 1,000 people aged 65 and above each year. The pressure on energy systems is also increasing, with energy demand in some areas being about three times higher to cool buildings, leading to increased energy poverty for low-income households.
The impact of extreme heat is also felt by Indigenous communities, who are more sensitive to changes in ecosystems due to their connection to traditional lands for food, culture, and health. Many Indigenous communities, particularly those in remote areas, face thermal stress and increased issues with water resource access. The rise in temperatures has also disrupted community governance and cultural practices, as some communities are unable to live in their own country during certain times of the year due to extreme heat.
The increase in extreme heat events has also impacted Australia's marine ecosystems. Ocean warming has contributed to record-breaking marine heatwaves, which have had significant ecological impacts, including changes to species' distribution and reproduction success. These heatwaves have resulted in economic losses, with estimates suggesting losses from a single marine heatwave event can exceed US$900 million.
Overall, the rising temperatures and extreme heat in Australia have had far-reaching consequences, affecting human health, energy systems, Indigenous communities, and marine ecosystems. These impacts are expected to continue as temperatures rise, posing challenges for adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change.
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Impact on Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians have a close relationship with the environment and its resources, and their health and well-being are deeply interconnected with the health of the land. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, droughts, flooding, and bushfires.
Indigenous Australians have inhabited the continent for tens of thousands of years and have a vast reservoir of traditional knowledge and land management techniques that have helped them navigate changing climates. During the last Ice Age, they adapted by moving to well-watered areas, and they have a long history of adjusting to sea level changes. However, climate change poses new challenges and exacerbates existing inequalities. Studies have shown that Indigenous Australians are disproportionately exposed to climate hazards and extremes, with higher temperatures, longer heatwaves, and greater rainfall variability leading to increased risks of bushfires and floods.
The impact of climate change on Indigenous Australians extends beyond the physical environment. Unbearable living conditions due to heat and poor water quality and supply threaten to force communities to leave their homelands, severing their deep cultural connection to the land. Climate change also limits access to healthy traditional foods and can impede the transmission of cultural knowledge. For example, the decline in mussel populations in Dharriwaa has impacted the ability of Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi Nations people to pass on their traditional practices to future generations.
Indigenous Australians are actively contributing to the search for solutions. Their traditional knowledge and practices, such as "cool burning," are being recognised and incorporated into fire management strategies. Additionally, their perspective on the interconnectedness between people and the environment can inform a broader understanding of climate change and guide adaptation strategies.
Despite their resilience and wealth of knowledge, Indigenous Australians continue to face challenges due to political and economic marginalisation, loss of land and resources, and human rights violations. Climate change amplifies these existing injustices, and targeted support and representation in decision-making processes are crucial to ensuring their health, well-being, and cultural survival.
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Rising sea levels
The impacts of rising sea levels in Australia include permanent flooding of low-lying areas, increased coastal erosion, and more frequent and intense tidal inundation. Coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to these impacts. Around 80% of the population in New South Wales (NSW) lives within 50 km of the coast, and development has often occurred in low-lying areas near estuaries, making them highly susceptible to flooding and erosion. It is estimated that up to 74,700 properties near estuaries in NSW could be partially flooded during a major storm surge with a 1-meter rise in sea level.
The effects of rising sea levels are already being observed in Australia. Rates of sea-level rise vary across the country due to local factors, with the southeast coast experiencing rates of 2-4 mm/yr. Global sea levels are rising due to the warming of the oceans and the melting of land-based ice sheets and glaciers. Since the 1970s, the thermal expansion of the oceans has contributed significantly to global sea-level rise. The projected sea-level rise in Australia by 2090 is estimated to be about 45-82 cm higher than the 1986-2005 levels, with the potential for higher levels if tipping points are reached in the global system.
To mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels, adaptation planning and community education are crucial. Maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems and raising awareness about sea-level rise can help communities prepare for and manage the effects. However, the rate of future sea-level rise remains uncertain, making long-term coastal planning challenging.
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Extreme weather
Australia has been experiencing the effects of climate change, with an increase in extreme weather events. The country has warmed by 1.44 °C on average since 1910, with most of the warming occurring since the 1950s. This warming trend has resulted in a range of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, bushfires, storms, and cyclones, which have had significant impacts on the population and the environment.
Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, with the average number of days per year with temperatures reaching 45 °C in Victoria increasing from 0.3 in 1961-2000 to 2.6 in 2011-2020. Heatwaves cause more human deaths in Australia than any other single extreme weather event. The extreme heat has severe consequences for human health, infrastructure, and ecosystems. It particularly affects vulnerable members of society, such as those who cannot afford to cool their homes or access emergency shelters.
Bushfires, fueled by high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, have also impacted Australia in recent years. The 2019-2020 bushfire season, known as the "Black Summer" fires, was particularly devastating, with fires burning simultaneously across multiple states and territories. More than one-fifth of Australian forests were burned in a single season, and the fires had far-reaching effects on human health, property, and the environment.
Climate change has also led to alterations in rainfall patterns, resulting in more frequent and intense flooding events. Short-duration extreme rainfall, often associated with thunderstorms, tropical cyclones, and other weather systems, can cause flash flooding, particularly in urban areas with a high proportion of impervious ground cover. Coastal communities are especially vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels, with increased coastal inundation and storm surges posing significant risks to settlements and infrastructure.
The combination of these extreme weather events has resulted in overlapping or "compound" effects, as described by the CSIRO. For example, tropical cyclones can bring intense rainfall, storm surges, and flooding, impacting coastal communities already vulnerable to rising sea levels. The impacts of climate change on extreme weather events have had profound consequences for Australia's population, economy, and environment, highlighting the need for adaptation and resilience measures to protect vulnerable communities.
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Health and wellbeing
Australia's climate has had a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of its population. The country has experienced a rise in average temperatures, with an increase of 1.47 °C since 1910, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves. These heatwaves have significantly increased mortality rates, particularly among the elderly. The vulnerability of the elderly was evident in Queensland, where heatwaves caused a 5% increase in all-cause mortality between July 2010 and January 2019. Similarly, three Australian cities—Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney—experienced a rise in non-external causes of mortality during the period from 1988 to 2009.
The impact of climate change on health is not limited to heatwaves. Australia has also witnessed devastating wildfires, like the "Black Summer" in 2019/2020, and extensive flooding in 2021/2022. These events overwhelmed emergency and health systems, leading to acute and chronic health issues and fatalities. Moreover, the country has experienced prolonged droughts, particularly in the southern regions, and is projected to face more extreme floods in the north. These climate extremes have severe consequences for the population's health and wellbeing.
Climate change also affects mental health, especially in regional areas and among the youth. Events like floods and heavy downpours can negatively impact mental wellbeing. For example, residents of NSW's northern rivers region reported mental health issues following the 2017 floods. Additionally, farmers and regional communities experiencing decreased productivity and incomes due to drought are at an increased risk of depression and suicide. Climate change can also worsen symptoms of heart and lung disease, and increase the prevalence of cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological disorders.
The health impacts of climate change are closely linked to the environment. Changes in weather and man-made pollution affect air quality, water sources, and food availability and quality. These factors pose serious threats to human health. Furthermore, vulnerable groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are disproportionately affected by climate change due to underlying health inequalities and limited access to healthcare services.
To address these challenges, the Australian Government has implemented various programs to mitigate the impacts of climate change on health and the health system. However, there is criticism that these responses have been inadequate, with a lack of focus on health in climate policies. Despite this, the government is working towards developing a sustainable and resilient health system and supporting the creation of healthy and resilient communities.
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Frequently asked questions
The changing climate in Australia has had a significant impact on individuals, communities, governments, businesses, industries, and the environment. Some of the ways in which the climate has impacted the population include:
- Higher temperatures: Australia has experienced a significant increase in average temperatures, with more frequent hot weather and fewer cold days. This has led to an increase in heat-related deaths, especially among older individuals.
- Wildfires and droughts: The country has experienced unprecedented wildfires and extreme heat, such as the "Black Summer" in 2019/2020. Australia has also seen a rise in bushfire risk and prolonged droughts, particularly in the southern parts of the country.
- Floods: Australia has witnessed record rainfalls and widespread flooding in recent years, with Queensland and New South Wales being the most impacted states.
- Health risks: Climate change has presented a major public health concern, with the spread of climate-sensitive infectious diseases and the impact of extreme weather events on emergency management and health systems.
Indigenous communities in Australia, particularly Aboriginal Australians, have been disproportionately affected by climate change due to existing socio-economic disadvantages and their connection to traditional lands. They have faced thermal stress, limited access to water resources, and ecological changes that impact their physical and mental health, as well as social and cultural aspects of their society.
Rising sea levels are expected to have significant impacts on the Australian population, especially considering that most Australians live along the coast. A 1-metre rise in sea level would displace human populations, damage property and infrastructure, and impact agriculture and community livelihoods. It would also increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like storm surges, flooding, and erosion.
