- Sea levels projected to rise by at least half a metre this century, putting 1.5 million Australians at risk
- Marine heatwave durations to skyrocket
- Reefs around the country to face some of the worst impacts of increased temperatures
- Albanese Government must commit to bold but necessary 2035 climate targets
The findings of Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment make clear the escalating danger climate change poses to our ocean and coastlines, and the desperate need for stronger climate action, says the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS).
Today's report finds marine heatwave durations will skyrocket by 22 days at a global warming level of +1.5°C and by 161 days at a global warming level of +3.0°C. That means Australia's ocean is estimated to be in a marine heatwave state for almost half of the year under a +3.0°C scenario.
AMCS CEO Paul Gamblin said: "This report has to be the line in the sand. The Albanese Government must take the report as a final warning to be fair dinkum about confronting the 'cascading and compounding' impacts of climate change by committing to a strong 2035 climate target, with no new offshore fossil fuel approvals.
"Marine heatwaves are already devastating the areas we know and love. Last year, the Great Barrier Reef recorded the highest coral cover loss on record, while Ningaloo Reef has just suffered the most extensive and severe bleaching event in its history. South Australia is still reeling from an algal bloom that has devastated marine life and communities.
"The report shows reefs across the country will continue to face some of the worst impacts from increasing temperatures. The projected increasing intensity and duration of marine heatwaves is likely to leave insufficient time for corals to recover between successive bleaching events, meaning impacts of future marine heatwaves will be even worse.
"Marine heatwaves are not the only impact Australians should be worried about. Sea levels are projected to rise by at least half a metre this century under a +3.0°C scenario, with coastal flood events occurring up to ten times more often. If populations remained as they are today, over 1.5 million Australians will experience sea level rise and coastal flooding risks by 2050.
"This report comes just days after the Albanese Government condemned us and our children to nearly half a century more of the massively polluting North West Shelf gas plant in WA. A child born today will be nearing middle age and this plant will still be belching huge amounts of carbon pollution. This project would process gas from around the magnificent corals of Scott Reef which are already bleaching from compounding climate impacts like those outlined in today's report.
"This new climate report underlines how inadequate our climate and environmental laws remain for navigating this sobering new world.
"Our reefs are bleaching on all fronts, our coasts are beginning to flood, and our marine life is suffering. To protect the future of all Australians, our extraordinary marine life, and our livelihoods, the Australian Government must pursue strong action to avoid the worst of what climate change would mean for this country and our Pacific neighbours."
