Australia is at the forefront of some major climate change shifts.
Following are the latest developments.
• Great Barrier Reef Faces Sixth Mass Bleaching Event
The Great Barrier Reef has experienced its sixth mass coral bleaching since 2016, with the summer of 2024–25 marking the second consecutive year of widespread bleaching.
Marine heatwaves driven by climate change are severely altering the reef's ecosystem. Conservationists warn that Australia's next government may represent the reef's last chance for survival.
While the current government has allocated $1.2 billion for reef conservation through 2030, experts call for urgent climate action, including a 90% reduction in climate pollution by 2035 and an end to new fossil fuel projects. Link
Australia has witnessed record-breaking heat both on land and in adjacent oceans during the 2024–25 summer.
Major floods in the north and unprecedented sea surface temperatures over the northwest region have been observe. Such extreme events, once rare, are becoming more frequent due to human-driven climate change. Link
A recent report reveals a 37% rise in dangerous heat exposure in Australia over the past two decades.
This increase correlates with a surge in climate-related health issues, including cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, Australia has become the world's second-highest hotspot for climate litigation, reflecting growing public concern over health and environmental impacts. Link
Political debates around climate policy are intensifying.
In a recorded address, Coalition MP Colin Boyce suggested that allowing power blackouts could be a strategic move to shift public opinion against renewable energy and net-zero policies. He advocated a "do nothing" approach, implying that experiencing blackouts would make the public more sceptical of renewable energy initiatives. Link Link
Australia has dropped two ranks in the Climate Change Performance Index, now standing at 52nd among the low-performing countries.
While fossil fuel subsidies have declined, some major subsidies remain. Key demands include halting the approval and support for the expansion of fossil fuel production. Link
With a federal election set for May 3, there is a heightened focus on climate policies.
Advocacy groups urge voters to support candidates committed to reducing Australia's climate pollution and enhancing climate resilience. Link
Links
- Climate Risk Map of Australia
- Australia's next government may be Great Barrier Reef's last chance after sixth mass bleaching, conservationist says
- How extreme weather and record sea temperatures are shaping Australia's climate
- Climate and health litigation mounting in Australia
- Australia has experienced a 37 per cent rise in dangerous heat exposure
- 'Let Rome burn': Coalition MP says allowing blackouts the only way to turn voters off renewable energy
- Australia – Climate Performance Ranking 2025
- New Research: Australia's 2025 State of Net Zero Investment Report
- Report forecasts climate change to drive rise in heart disease
- See how extreme weather and record sea temperatures are shaping Australia's climate
- Australia's future prosperity relies on climate policy certainty
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