Australia’s climate is changing, posing risks to key systems that underpin Australia's' way of life. Understanding these risks, their impacts, conditions and characteristics is important in informing effective adaptation.

This report provides a synthesis of key findings from Australis's first national climate risk assessment, detailing 11 priority risks and 7 new risks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a new evidence base of best-available information to inform adaptation planning and action. Climate risks are assessed across society and environment, including the economy, communities, agriculture, health, infrastructure and ecosystems.

An assessment of risk is provided across 8 key systems and 11 regions, prioritising key risks both within each system and across systems. This approach has provided an understanding of who or what might be at risk from a changing climate, across different areas of the country. 

The assessment finds the impacts on Australia are extensive. It also highlights the need for continued global action to mitigate emissions.

Key systems

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Communities – urban, regional and remote
• Defence and national security
• Economy, trade and finance
• Health and social support
• Infrastructure and the built environment
• Natural environment
• Primary industries and food.

The report is accompanied by a data explorer.