MEDIA RELEASE Climate risks escalating, leaving communities defenceless and picking up the bill.
15 September 2025
The hypocrisy is not lost. Days after approving Woodside’s gas expansion, which will only add
fuel to the fire of climate change, the Government finally releases the National Climate Risk
Assessment and National Adaptation Plan. These reports lay bare the escalating and
accelerating consequences of climate change for our communities.
This one-off report provides much overdue transparency on the growing risks to our homes,
infrastructure, health and economy with particular concern for regional and rural Australia. Not
once does the report mention or acknowledge the cause of these escalating risks: coal, oil and
gas.
Our communities cannot be left carrying the cost of climate disasters, while climate polluters
are let off the hook. These reports must now be matched with legislated and coordinated
investment to reduce risks and protect local communities.
In Warringah, the report highlights the dire consequences that we are already seeing, more
intense heat and storms, warming seas and coastal erosion. It warns that Sydney would
experience a 444% increase in heat-related deaths if we stay on our current trajectory.
If the Albanese Government wants to have any credibility in addressing the risks identified in
the report, it must commit to a minimum of 75% emissions reduction by 2035 under the Paris
Agreement. We must reduce risks, protect local communities and ensure polluters pay their
fair share.
Climate risks are a domestic security and safety issue and as such, like for defence should be
prioritised. I call on the Government to legislate for regular climate risk assessments and
adaptation plans as proposed in my Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation) Bill
2025.
Background
On 25 August, Zali Steggall introduced the Climate Change (National Framework for
Adaptation) Bill 2025 to Parliament, calling for legislated national adaptation planning,
including mandatory risk assessments, implementation frameworks and ongoing monitoring.
More information can be found at zalisteggall.com.au/national_framework_for_adaptation
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