Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, released on September 14, warns that more than 1.5 million Australians living in coastal areas could be directly threatened by rising sea levels by 2050. The landmark report highlights worsening hazards—including floods, cyclones, droughts, bushfires, and extreme heat—that are set to intensify as the climate warms.
The report examined three global warming scenarios: above 1.5°C (34.7°F), above 2°C (35.6°F), and above 3°C (37.4°F). Australia has already surpassed 1.5°C, and at 3°C, heat-related deaths could rise more than 400% in Sydney and nearly triple in Melbourne. It also forecasts cascading risks such as poorer water quality from flooding and bushfires, along with a potential AU$611 billion (US$406 billion) loss in property values.
By mid-century, northern regions, remote towns, and the outer suburbs of major cities are projected to face some of the greatest risks. No community, however, will be immune, with climate hazards expected to be “cascading, compounding and concurrent,” the assessment warned.
Due to global warming, sea levels are rising rapidly, threatening to reshape coastlines and put millions of lives and livelihoods at risk. If governments fail to take urgent action, these scenarios could become reality. To find out which cities around the globe could find themselves below tide level as early as 2030, check out this gallery.