Sector reacts to dire forecasts in National Climate Risk Assessment

The federal government’s National Climate Risk Assessment published on 15 September has forecast a number of drastic outcomes for Australians in future climate scenarios. Sector leaders working in the nature regeneration and climate change space provide their reactions to the report.

The extensive and long-awaited National Climate Risk Assessment report includes modelling that suggests 1.5 million Australians are at risk of rising sea levels by 2050 and an increase in heat-related mortality of 444% for Sydney and 423% for Darwin under a +3.0°C scenario compared to current conditions. The report was followed later in the week by the government’s plan to cut emissions by 62-70% by 2035.

Esther Abram, CEO, Nature Impact Collective  

The National Climate Risk Assessment details the hardship and suffering that awaits Australians if we don’t knuckle down on emission reduction. Let’s spare a thought for the non-human species that are in this mess with us, too.

The Assessment makes two clear points about nature and climate risk. Firstly, we are on a trajectory of losing species and precious natural places that shape our national identity, such as beaches and coral reefs. Degraded, over-exploited and over-run by invasive species, weakened ecosystems are more vulnerable to collapse.

Secondly, protection and repair of nature is central to the fight against catastrophic global heating. Our oceans, mangroves, seagrasses, forests and soils work overtime drawing down and storing carbon. In some instances, they protect human settlements from extreme events. We urgently need to protect and reinforce our natural line of defence.

Philanthropy is well placed to build up efforts by community groups to protect and repair the natural systems we all rely upon. Governments across the board have under-invested in community environment groups. A co-ordinated philanthropic effort has potential to turbocharge the vital work of the community while pressuring governments to increase environmental funding.

Nature Impact Collective’s members are focused on freshwater and coasts, which are both highly vulnerable to climate heating. Our work together and the people we support gives us hope. We urge others to get involved and replace despair with action.

Anna Skarbek AM, CEO, Climateworks Centre

The National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) presents a future where the impacts of climate change fundamentally reshape every aspect of our lives. Our communities, all major sectors, national security and our economy face very high to severe risks under current global policies.

Fortunately, the worst impacts can still be avoided – this future is not yet locked in. The scale and pace with which we achieve net zero can limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and prevent the more severe impacts.

Following the NCRA report, the federal government is set to announce Australia’s 2035 Emissions Target alongside six Net Zero Sector Plans from Electricity and energy, Industry, Resources, Transport, Built environment and Agriculture and land. The target sets a national goal post, while the sector plans will guide how to get there.

Climateworks Centre’s least-cost scenarios developed with CSIRO show that the nation can achieve net zero emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In fact, history shows us Australia has a track record of meeting and exceeding targets.

The time is now. The next three years is a critical policy window to take the steps that will accelerate our momentum. To help us get there, more targeted private investment is needed across all sectors. It’s about pooling our resources and expertise, and harnessing these targets, plans and policies to reach our net zero destination.

Claire O’Rourke, CEO, Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN): 

The overwhelming majority of Australians are worried about climate change, and the National Climate Risk Assessment will only increase concern. It outlines how mortality rates, food supplies and healthcare systems will be disrupted in a warming world – all people and places on this land face devastating impacts.  

Australians expect the government’s upcoming emissions targets to be a science-based, whole-of-government approach, replacing polluting industries with clean alternatives while ensuring precious carbon sinks rich in biodiversity are restored and conserved. The urgency to act is in our national interest. With strong, credible leadership from government, philanthropy, business and community sectors, we can collaboratively address the scale of the crises we face.  

Encouragingly, we know it works. The AEGN recently released a report demonstrating the incredible impact that major initiatives advanced by Australian philanthropy have achieved – unlocking over $200 billion in economic activity, creating more than 500,000 jobs and avoiding close to $150 billion in emissions-related damages. 

We already have the solutions needed to deliver Australia’s contribution to global emissions reduction targets. What’s needed now is to accelerate transitioning our economy, ensuring communities share the benefits, and that First Nations expertise centres our policymaking and implementation. Australian philanthropy plays a critical role in catalysing impact that will reverberate for centuries to come.