In BriefExtreme Weather Events
Policy Developments
Climate Action and Advocacy
These events underscore the escalating impacts of climate change in Australia and highlight the ongoing debates and actions concerning climate policy and adaptation strategies. Links |
Analysis of recent data continues to underscore Australia's vulnerability to climate change, with record-breaking temperatures, unprecedented coral bleaching, and destructive cyclonic activity.
This report comprehensively reviews the major climate-related developments across the country during this consequential month.
Extreme Weather Events and Their Impacts
Tropical Cyclone Alfred
March 2025 witnessed one of the most significant climate-driven disasters with Tropical Cyclone Alfred striking Brisbane—an unusual occurrence at this latitude. The cyclone brought extreme rainfall, flooding, and storm surge to Queensland's capital city and surrounding areas. Link
Brisbane set new daily rainfall records on Sunday, March 9, with preliminary economic assessments estimating damages at approximately $1 billion per day. LinkThe cyclone's intensity and unusual southern trajectory align with climate scientists' predictions about changing cyclone patterns under global warming conditions.
The extensive damage caused by Cyclone Alfred had ripple effects beyond the immediate humanitarian response, reaching into the political sphere. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delayed the anticipated federal election until May specifically citing the cyclone's impacts. Link Link
This postponement significantly altered the national political calendar and campaign strategies that had been prepared for an earlier election date.
Scientific Analysis of Extreme Events
On March 20, the Climate Council released a timely report titled "Eye of the Storm: How Climate Pollution Fuels More Intense and Destructive Cyclones," directly linking events like Cyclone Alfred to climate change. Link
The report provided crucial context for understanding how human-induced warming is creating conditions for more severe tropical cyclones in Australia.
Research from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has further connected recent extreme weather to climate change.
Dr. Surendra Rauniyar's analysis showed that the record-breaking sea surface temperatures observed in north west Australia from September 2024 to January 2025 were heavily influenced by human-induced climate change, which contributed approximately two-thirds of the observed temperature anomaly of 1.34°C. Link
Marine Ecosystem Crisis
Simultaneous Coral Bleaching Events
March 2025 marked a devastating month for Australia's iconic reef systems, with simultaneous mass coral bleaching events reported at both the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef. Link
Scientists described these concurrent bleaching events as "profoundly distressing" and "heartbreaking," noting that Ningaloo Reef had accumulated the highest amount of heat stress on record. LinkBy March 30, researchers from Curtin University reported that the "devastating" bleaching at Ningaloo was putting ancient coral colonies at risk of permanent damage or death. Link
The simultaneous bleaching of two World Heritage-listed reef systems represents an unprecedented ecological crisis that scientists directly attribute to climate change-induced marine heatwaves.
These events highlight the accelerating impacts of climate change on Australia's marine ecosystems and the urgent need for strengthened climate action.
Long-term Ecological Implications
The coral bleaching events have significant implications beyond the immediate ecological damage.
These reef systems support tourism industries worth billions of dollars annually and provide essential habitat for countless marine species.
The compounding frequency of bleaching events is reducing recovery time between episodes, threatening the long-term viability of these ecosystems.
Climate scientists have emphasised that marine heatwaves of this magnitude would be virtually impossible without the influence of human-caused climate change. Link
Climate Policy Developments
Federal Government Actions
March 2025 saw several significant climate policy developments at the federal level. The Department of Climate Change released its quarterly National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (for September 2024), revealing concerning trends in Australia's emissions profile. Link
The data showed emissions "still flatlining", with transport emissions overtaking stationary energy to become the second-largest source after electricity generation. LinkIn a controversial move on March 20, Prime Minister Albanese announced plans to rush through legislation related to the Tasmanian salmon industry that would limit conservation groups' powers to challenge past environmental decisions. Link
Critics suggested this legislation might extend beyond salmon farming to curtail challenges against fossil fuel developments, potentially undermining Australia's climate commitments.
On March 30, Prime Minister Albanese stated he was willing to direct gas exporters to supply the domestic market "if needed," signalling potential intervention in the energy sector. Link
This came just after the March 29 announcement that the government had delayed approval for Woodside's Browse Gas extension until after the release of a rock art study—which would occur after the election. Link
Implementation of Climate Reporting Regulations
Australia continued preparations for the January 2025 implementation of mandatory climate-related reporting requirements for large and medium-sized companies. Link
These requirements, established through the Treasury Laws Amendment
bill passed in 2024, will require companies to disclose
climate-related risks and opportunities, as well as greenhouse gas
emissions across their value chains. Link
The Australian Accounting Standards Board has been developing internationally-aligned climate disclosure standards, with assurance standards expected from the Australian Auditing and Assurance Board. Link
The implementation of these reporting requirements represents a significant step toward transparency in corporate climate impacts and will affect companies with over 500 employees, revenues exceeding $500 million, or assets over $1 billion. Link
Climate Science and Research
Record-Breaking Temperature Trends
March 2025 saw the release of data confirming that the 2024/25 Australian summer was the second-hottest on record, with scientists explicitly stating it was "not possible without climate change". Link
The average temperature anomaly reached 1.89°C above the long-term average, with researchers warning this extremely hot summer "will be one of the coolest in the 21st century" if emissions continue unabated. LinkDr. Surendra Rauniyar from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology emphasised that without climate change, the extreme sea surface temperatures observed would have been "almost vanishingly rare." However, under current warming trends, such events are becoming "part of our new normal". Link
Dr. Rauniyar's analysis indicated that at 1.5°C of global warming—slightly above current levels—sea surface temperatures like those observed would become close to average for the region, while at 2.0°C, more than a third of all seasons would be even warmer. Link
Future Projections and Risks
Climate scientists have warned that the trajectory of warming will continue to accelerate if global emissions remain unchecked. At 4.0°C of warming, models suggest Australia will not experience sea surface temperatures as "cool" as those observed in 2024-25. Link
These warming trends drive more intense cyclones, disrupt marine ecosystems, and alter rainfall patterns in ways that directly impact communities, industries, and biodiversity across Australia. LinkLocal and Regional Climate Action
Urban Planning and Sustainability
Climate considerations increasingly influenced local planning decisions in March 2025. In Melbourne's northern suburbs, the State Government targeted increased housing density in Brunswick and Coburg, with locals advocating for upgrades to the Upfield Rail Line to accommodate growing populations while minimising transport emissions. Link
These local initiatives highlight the growing integration of climate considerations into urban planning and public infrastructure development.
Electoral Politics and Climate Advocacy
Climate and sustainability emerged as significant issues in the lead-up to the Australian Federal Election, particularly in constituencies like Wills, where a candidates' forum focused on climate was organised for March 18 at Coburg Uniting Church. Link
While many voters reported struggling with cost-of-living pressures, advocates emphasised that climate change is a key driver of rising energy costs, food prices, and insurance premiums. LinkThe election delay caused by Cyclone Alfred has extended the period for climate policy debate in the campaign context.
Summary
March 2025 represents a critical period in Australia's climate change narrative, characterised by the convergence of extreme weather events, policy developments, and growing scientific evidence of accelerating impacts.
The simultaneous coral bleaching events at two World Heritage sites, the unusual and destructive Cyclone Alfred, and record-breaking temperatures all underscore the reality that climate change is no longer a future threat but a present crisis for Australia.
implementation of mandatory climate reporting requirements, the z climate action for months to come.The policy responses during this month reflect the tensions between immediate economic considerations and longer-term climate imperatives.
As Australia approaches both a federal election and the implementation of mandatory climate reporting requirements, the z climate action for months to come.
What remains clear is that Australia's vulnerability to climate impacts continues to grow, demanding more robust and coordinated action across all levels of government and society.
Links
- Australia just had its hottest March since records began
- Bureau of Meteorology Long-range forecast: April to June 2025
- Eye of the storm: How Climate Pollution Fuels More Intense and Destructive Cyclones
- The growing impact of extreme weather events on Australia’s supply chain routes
- Cyclone Alfred More Intense and Destructive due to Climate Change
- Revealed – climate pollution's growing impact on extreme weather
