The Australian Security Leaders Climate Group (ASLCG) was formed in 2021 by a group of senior former military and intelligence leaders concerned that the security implications of climate change were not understood or addressed by governments. 

This report provides an overview of an efficacious climate risk assessment methodology, analyses the current failure, explores four case studies and identifies specific and necessary priority actions for the Australian government.

Key findings

• Climate disruption now presents the greatest, and potentially existential, threat to society and human security in Australia and around the world.
• Responding adequately to climate disruption is fundamental to the survival of the nation and the global community. 
• Lack of assessment by a succession of Australian governments has left our nation with a poor understanding of the looming climate risks, so it is not prepared to face global warming’s consequences and mitigate the risks. 
• Australia remains “missing in action” on climate– security risks, with climate downplayed to a cameo role in defence and security policy and planning.

Key recommendations

• Establish a Climate Threat Intelligence branch within the Office of National Intelligence with outputs including an annual, de-classified briefing to Parliament.
• Establish an Abrupt Climate Change Early Warning System and legislate a Global Catastrophic Risk Management Act.
• Plan and integrate climate research in Australia in a manner that will deliver a sound platform for realistic risk assessment and government policy-making.
• Rebuild the climate policy-making capacity of the Australian Public Service and overcome the bureaucratic silos that are making systemic analysis of climate risks difficult to achieve.