The Australian government has issued a stark warning in its inaugural National Climate Risk Assessment, highlighting the profound threats that rising global temperatures pose to the nation's security, economy, infrastructure, and healthcare systems.
Released on Tuesday, the report identifies 56 nationally significant climate risks, with 11 designated as priority areas. These span critical sectors including water resources, economic resilience, and public health.
Experts forecast that unchecked climate change could severely disrupt Australia's economy and trade, challenge financial systems, and overwhelm defense and emergency services. Additionally, hospitals may face increased pressure from emerging communicable diseases linked to shifting climate patterns.
In a concerning worst-case scenario, the assessment warns that extreme weather events could lead insurers and banks to withdraw services from high-risk communities. This withdrawal could trigger a cascading impact on essential infrastructure and the built environment, exacerbating vulnerabilities across the nation.
The comprehensive assessment underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions to bolster Australia's resilience against the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
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Climate change threat to Australian security, economy, infrastructure
cgtn.com
