Ruqayyah Snyder
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in climate over several decades. Australia is experiencing the effects of climate change, with rising land and sea temperatures, increased rainfall intensity, rising sea levels, and increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including bushfires, floods, and droughts. These changes have impacted wildlife, agriculture, human health, and infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation measures to combat climate change in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average land and sea temperatures | Increased by 1.44 ± 0.24 °C since national records began in 1910 |
| Global carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2) concentration | 524 parts per million, the highest in at least 2 million years |
| Global air temperature increase | 1.2 °C since the late 1800s |
| Average sea surface temperature increase | 1.08 °C since 1900 |
| Global mean sea level rise | 22 cm since 1900 |
| Number of hottest years on record | 9 of the 10 hottest years since 2010 |
| Greenhouse gas emissions by sector in 2019 | Electricity (32%), Transport, Stationary energy, Agriculture, Fugitive emissions, Industrial processes, Land use, land use change and forestry |
| Impact on wildlife | Heat stress, drought, habitat changes, and food chain effects |
| Impact on communities | Increased pressure on emergency services and health systems, agricultural impacts, and risk to wellbeing and livelihoods |
| Extreme weather events | Bushfires, floods, droughts, and coral bleaching |
| Sea level rise impact | Coastal flooding, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and community relocation |
| Rainfall patterns | Decreasing in southern Australia during cooler months, increasing in northern Australia, and more intense heavy rainfall events |
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What You'll Learn
Rising sea levels
Australia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the country's coastal communities, ecosystems, and industries. Sea levels around the Australian coastline have been rising and will continue to do so throughout this century and beyond. The average rate of sea-level rise in Australia over the past half-century has been 2.1 mm/year, which is consistent with global increases. However, rates of sea-level rise vary across Australia due to local factors such as ocean circulation and tidal processes.
The north and southeast regions of Australia have experienced higher rates of sea-level rise compared to the global average. Tide gauges indicate that the rate of rise in northern Australia since the early 1990s has been around 4-6 mm/year, while along the southeast coast, it has been approximately 2-4 mm/year. The projected sea-level rise for major Australian coastal cities by 2090 varies, with an average increase of 45-66 cm under different concentration scenarios.
The consequences of rising sea levels in Australia include increased coastal flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater wetlands. Low-lying properties near rivers and coastlines are at risk, posing threats to commercial, industrial, residential, and transportation assets. Coastal ecosystems such as beaches, coral reefs, estuaries, and wetlands are also vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels.
The impacts of sea-level rise are often felt in combination with storm events, leading to significant coastal erosion and flooding. While storms can cause destructive effects, they can also bring sand from deeper water towards the beach, helping some coastlines keep pace with sea-level rise. Australia has a significant amount of offshore sand that is gradually making its way back to its beaches.
Planning for rising sea levels is crucial to mitigate the risks posed to coastal communities and industries. The Australian Climate Service utilizes simulations to develop national climate hazard products, including those related to flooding and coastal hazards. Additionally, the CSIRO conducts research to support coastal communities in developing strategies to reduce the risks associated with rising sea levels.
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Extreme weather events
Climate change in Australia is causing an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, bushfires, and floods. These events have devastating consequences for the environment, economy, and people of Australia.
The Australian climate has warmed by a mean of 1.4 °C on land and 1.1 °C in the oceans since national records began in 1910. Most of the increase in temperatures over Australian land areas has occurred since the 1950s, and temperatures have continued to increase over the past few years. This warming trend is expected to continue, with projections of further increases in temperature and changes in rainfall patterns.
The warming of the continent and sea surface has been accompanied by unprecedented weather extremes. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged, posing a significant threat to human health and wellbeing. The number and length of periods of dangerous "fire weather" have increased, leading to a higher risk of bushfires. The Black Summer of 2019-2020 is a stark example of the devastating impact of bushfires, with unprecedented scale and harm.
Floods associated with intense rainfall can cause extensive social and economic costs. In 2019, northern and western Queensland experienced significant flooding, with similar events occurring in other regions, such as the Barwon South West Region in 2016. The intensity of heavy rainfall events has increased by 10% or more since 1979, and the risk of flash flooding is increasing due to more intense rain over short periods.
Drought conditions are also expected to increase in frequency and duration, particularly in southern Australia. The combination of drought, extreme heat, and increased fire danger has severe implications for agriculture, food security, and the natural environment, including wildlife.
The impacts of these extreme weather events are far-reaching, affecting health, soil and water resources, agriculture, infrastructure, energy security, and financial stability. As Australia continues to experience and prepare for these events, there is a growing recognition of the need to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change.
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Impact on wildlife
Climate change in Australia is having a profound impact on its unique wildlife, threatening biodiversity and ecosystems. The country's distinct geography, as an island with a varied climate, makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of a changing climate.
One of the most prominent impacts of climate change in Australia is the increase in extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires. These events have direct and indirect consequences for wildlife, with species suffering from heat stress and the loss of habitat and food sources. The Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, for instance, not only destroyed vast swathes of native forest but also killed or displaced nearly 3 billion animals. The Australian government committed $200 million to wildlife and habitat recovery following these fires, highlighting the scale of the impact.
Amphibians, such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog, are highly vulnerable to climate change due to their reliance on specific moisture regimes and aquatic habitats. A recent study showed that between 11-15% of amphibian species are threatened, and this percentage rises when considering other vulnerable species in Australia. Over 45% of the assessed species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants, were found to be moderately to highly vulnerable. The Mountain Pygmy Possum, for instance, is threatened by increased snow melt and habitat loss due to ski resort development.
Climate change is also causing shifts in rainfall patterns, with southern Australia experiencing decreasing rainfall and the north seeing substantial increases. These changes in precipitation patterns have further flow-on effects on wildlife, particularly those species reliant on specific rainfall patterns for their survival and reproduction.
The impact of climate change on Australia's marine ecosystems has also been well-documented. Marine heatwaves have damaged marine fauna and ecosystems such as kelp forests and coral reefs. With sea surface temperatures rising, the health of these ecosystems is at further risk, which will have consequences for the wildlife that depend on them.
The range of impacts on Australia's wildlife underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing strategies to protect and conserve the country's biodiversity.
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Health and emergency services
Climate change is a health emergency in Australia, as recognised by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and other health organisations worldwide. The AMA has urged the Australian government to adopt mitigation targets, promote the health benefits of addressing climate change, and develop a National Strategy for Health and Climate Change.
The Australian government has acknowledged the impact of climate change on the health and wellbeing of its citizens and is working towards developing a sustainable and resilient health system. In December 2023, Australia launched its first National Health and Climate Strategy, which aims to address the health impacts of climate change and reduce the health system's contribution to climate change through reduced emissions and waste.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described climate change as "the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century". Climate change adaptation strategies in Australia focus on preventive measures and emergency response capabilities. Preventive measures include urban planning, building codes, and the development of urban green spaces, while emergency response measures address disaster risk reduction and health protective behaviours during emergencies.
The impact of climate change on mental health is also significant, particularly in the aftermath of floods and droughts, as seen in Northern New South Wales (NSW). The region has experienced major flood events, leading to displacement and adverse mental health impacts. Additionally, climate change increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues due to bushfire smoke and heatwaves.
To address these challenges, Local Health Districts (LHDs) are encouraged to identify potential health impacts in their regions and strengthen their capacity to respond effectively. This includes enhancing emergency planning, response activities, and communication to incorporate disaster risk reduction and improving health protective behaviours during emergencies.
The Australian government's National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy aims to better prepare the country to anticipate, manage, and adapt to the changing climate, ensuring the health system's resilience and responsiveness.
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Greenhouse gas emissions
Australia is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The country has experienced a rise in average land and sea temperatures, with every decade since 1950 being warmer than the last. The year 2019 was Australia's warmest year on record, with a temperature 1.52°C above average.
The nation is also witnessing changes in rainfall patterns, with a decrease in southern Australia during the cooler months, and an increase in northern Australia since the 1970s. The intensity of heavy rainfall events has increased by 10% or more since 1979, leading to an increased risk of flash flooding.
Additionally, Australia faces increased fire danger due to low humidity, high temperatures, and high winds, resulting in catastrophic bushfires like those witnessed during the Black Summer of 2019-2020. The frequency and duration of heatwaves have also risen, with hot weather records occurring three times more often than cold weather records in the past decade.
These changes have severe implications for agriculture, water security, human health, and emergency services. They also impact wildlife, with flow-on effects down the food chain.
Other sectors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions include transport, stationary energy, agriculture, industrial processes, and fugitive emissions. Transport emissions arise from the use of petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. Stationary energy emissions refer to the energy and manufacturing industries, excluding power generation. Agriculture produces methane and nitrous oxide, while industrial processes release emissions during the conversion of raw materials into final products. Fugitive emissions are gases released during fossil fuel extraction and transportation.
While emissions from power generation have declined due to the adoption of renewable energy sources, reductions in this sector are expected to be offset by growing emissions from transportation and stationary energy sources.
Addressing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts. The country is well-positioned to transition to renewable energy sources, given its abundant solar and wind resources.
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Frequently asked questions
Climate change refers to any long-term shifts in climate over several decades.
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are caused by electricity, transport, stationary energy, agriculture, fugitive emissions, industrial processes, and land use.
Australia is experiencing the effects of climate change, including rising land and sea temperatures, increased fire danger, rising sea levels, and changes in rainfall patterns.
WWF-Australia is working with communities, governments, and industries to address the causes of climate change and support ecosystems and communities in adapting to its impacts.
