Australia’s surfers are sounding the alarm after the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA), warning that our oceans and coastal communities are likely to bear the brunt of sea level rise, coastal erosion, marine heatwaves and worsening climate disasters.
The NCRA sets out a series of risks that will have coastal communities concerned:
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Sea levels around Australia will continue to rise, with a median projection of half a metre of sea level rise by the 2100, and the possibility of much more severe sea level rise if polar ice sheets collapse.
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More than 1.5 million people are currently living in areas that will experience sea level rise and coastal flooding risks by 2050.
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Oceans surrounding Australia are expected to become more acidic and warmer, with more frequent and longer marine heatwaves impacting sealife. Up to 95 days of marine heatwaves at 2ºC of warming and 179 days of marine heatwaves at 3ºC of warming.
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As sea levels rise, coastal flood events are projected to become more frequent, accompanied by increased coastal erosion and shoreline change. By 2090, coastal erosion events may occur around 10 times more often than now.
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While the frequency of tropical cyclones is likely to decrease, the severity of cyclones in category 4 and 5 events may increase.
“The NCRA confirms what we’ve been feeling in the water for years,” said Josh Kirkman, CEO of Surfers for Climate. “Rising seas, coastal erosion, flooding, and storms are hitting harder than ever — and without greater action, we may not be able to ride the waves we love.”
With 80% of Australians living within 50km of the beach, the risks go far beyond surfing. Local businesses and coastal communities are all at risk. As well as impacts for our oceans, the NCRA also confirms that droughts, fires and floods are likely to become more frequent and more severe across much of Australia.
“We’re already seeing the devastating impact climate change is having along South Australia’s coastline. As we speak, coastal communities are suffering the dire consequences of the algal bloom that is also wreaking havoc on marine life. Protecting the climate isn’t just about protecting waves — it’s about protecting families, entire communities and our unique way of life,”Josh Kirkman said.
Surfers for Climate is calling for stronger climate policies to cut emissions rapidly, accelerate the rollout of renewable energy and stop approving new coal and gas projects. That includes the Albanese Government committing to at least a 75% cut in emissions for Australia’s 2035 climate goal.
“Every step towards clean energy is a step towards saving our surf. Surfers know the ocean better than most — and we see the changes firsthand. That’s why we’re leading the call for action that protects our beaches and our breaks for generations to come.”
Contact details:
Ry Atkinson, 0423 270 124 or [email protected]
