OR climate change It is now an undisputed reality for Australia, with multi -dimensional and simultaneous implications, according to a new national report published in view of the announcement of government targets to reduce CO2 emissions. The consequences extend to a variety of fields: from rising sea levels and extreme weather events such as heat and cyclones, to the spread of diseases and strict economic risks.

According to the report, more than 1.5 million inhabitants are expected to be directly affected by the rise in sea level by 2050. In particular, deaths from high temperatures in Metropolitan Sydney are projected to launch by 400% if the average temperature rose by 3 ° C.

Climate Minister Chris Bowen emphasized with meaning: “We are living in climate change right now. No longer prognosis, projection or prediction – it is a reality »adding that they are now too late to avoid all the consequences.

Economic and environmental impacts

Financial losses are estimated to be huge, with real estate losses expected to reach $ 611 billion (or 346.5 billion euros) by 2050. At the same time, nature is tested strongly: many Australian endemic species will be forced to migrate, migrate.

Climate goals and political controversy

The report was made public at a critical week, during which the Australian government would announce the new targets for reducing emissions, in line with its commitments to the Paris climate agreement. Amanda Makenzi, Director General of NGO Climate Council, stresses: “We can choose a better future by reducing more rapidly and faster the infection than now”while characterizing the findings of the exposure ‘Scary’.

As he notes: “The first step is to set the most ambitious possible goals for the climate by 2035 and to stop new projects that pollute.”.

In spite of the increased efforts by the Labor Government to turn to the renewables And the reduction of emissions, Australia, as one of the largest exporters of fossil fuels, continues to approve new projects, which is causing strong political controversy. The repeated ‘Wars for the climate’ Among political forces is estimated to be seriously delaying progress in the battle against global warming.

Indicative of the situation is the recent extension for 40 years of the operation of the North West Shelf industrial complex, which with its annual production in LNG and oil exceeds 10 million tonnes. The decision sparked a strong reaction of both indigenous communities and environmental organizations.

Minister Bowen points out that the transition to a more ‘green’ future is accompanied by a series complicated challengesstressing that gas remains a critical backup source of energy in national energy planning for years to come.