Australia warns of cascading climate risks ahead of emissions target announcement

FILE PHOTO: An aerial file photo taken on July 28, 2020 shows homes perched on Australia's eastern coastal town of Wamberal that are at risk of being swept away, after days of driving rain, high winds and monster swells smashed the coastline. Rising oceans caused by climate change will threaten 1.5 million Australians by 2050, a landmark report warned on September 15, 2025 ahead of Australia releasing its emission targets this week. - AFP

CANBERRA: Australia will suffer more frequent and extreme climate events, often happening simultaneously, which will strain industry, services and infrastructure, a government report said on Monday (Sept 15), ahead of the announcement of a new emissions target.

Among the conclusions of the most comprehensive assessment of risks to Australia posed by climate change were that heatwaves become more frequent and deadly, while rising sea levels will put millions at risk and plants and animals will have to move, adapt or die.