ACOSS is urging the federal government to put people, equity and inclusion first by setting a strong 2035 emissions reduction target, after the National Climate Risk Assessment painted an alarming picture of the threats and costs facing communities across Australia.
"This report confirms what people on the frontlines of climate change have been experiencing for years," ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said.
"Climate change is not a distant problem - it's here, it's getting worse, and it's hurting the lives, health and livelihoods of people right across Australia
"The climate change risks identified are not evenly shared, with First Nations peoples, people and communities experiencing disadvantage, and people with health conditions, are most at risk. Those with the fewest resources to prepare, adapt and recover are bearing the brunt of worsening heatwaves, floods, fires and storms."
The report highlights escalating risks to homes, infrastructure, health, food security, cost of living and the economy, especially in areas already disadvantaged. ACOSS said urgent action is needed to prevent the crisis and inequality from spiralling.
"With the decision on Australia's 2035 emission reduction target imminent, the Prime Minister must stare down polluting coal and gas corporations and set targets that protect people and communities," Dr Goldie said.
"The science is clear, for Australia to do its fair share to limit dangerous global warming, and protect people and the planet, we must reduce climate pollution to net zero (100%) by 2035.
"At this point anything less than 75% would be untenable. It would lock in more disasters, more deaths, more burden and more inequality. It would leave the cost of climate change on people least able to bear it, while coal, oil and gas corporations pocket billions."
ACOSS is also calling on the federal government to urgently increase investment to support people and communities at greatest risk of climate change impacts, including:
- Accelerate home energy and resilience upgrades for renters, first nations communities and low-income homeowners.
- Create and fund local community led climate resilience hubs, to empower local communities to build their resilience and manage disaster response and recovery efforts.
- Strengthen the community sectors capacity in climate and disaster response, recovery and resilience.
For transparency and accountability, the government should amend the Climate Change Act to legislate for the National Climate Risk Assessment and the National Climate Adaptation Plan to be reviewed and published regularly.
"Climate change action is about protecting people and communities - their homes, health, incomes and futures. If governments act decisively now, we can reduce harm, safeguard communities and create a fairer, more resilient Australia," Dr Goldie said.
