Australia Country Profile

NSW RFSA

Foodbank Australia Limited

The Salvation Army (New South Wales) Property Trust / Salvo’s

Population: 25.8 Million (2021)

Major Threats: Heavy Rains, Floods, Drought, Bushfires

Populations Affected: Urban and Rural Communities, Coastal Communities

Locations Affected: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia

Industries Affected: Agriculture, Infrastructure

Compounding Issues: Livelihoods, Climate Change, Environmental

World Risk Index Ranking: 123

Global Climate Risk Index: 19 (2021)

Australia is increasingly suffering from climate-related disasters. Tropical cyclones followed by floods and bushfires commonly occur yearly, putting the sixth-largest country on stay-alert mode. In 2022, Australia experienced floods from February to December in many of its states. High exposure to climate change has caused Australia to experience both a longer dry season and the occurrence of more intense wet weather; responsible for damage to homes, and the evacuation of residents.

Billions of dollars in funds have been disbursed to cope with disaster resilience, mitigation, and prevention, but this also means that Australia is a vulnerable country that has faced repeated bushfires, droughts, and floods. Australia has suffered from both habitat loss and loss of lives.

Over the past two decades, Australia’s economy has enjoyed consistent growth. However, the recent global recession has begun to impact the nation adversely. Projections indicate that the inflation rate is affecting the living conditions of residents, particularly those with lower incomes, as it has driven up the prices of basic necessities. This inflationary pressure is closely tied to job availability and worker salaries, placing additional strain on both individuals and businesses.

In addition to these economic challenges, Australia has experienced the devastating loss of millions of hectares due to recent bushfires, resulting in extensive damage to the agricultural sector. There are instances where farmers struggle to provide meals for their families as their crops wither in the aftermath of these fires. Over the past five years, the country has faced increasingly severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, floods, and droughts, which have garnered attention from government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

The impacts of climate change are already being keenly felt, with rising sea levels and increasing seawater temperatures causing growing concerns. The phenomenon of coral “bleaching” is occurring at this very moment, posing a significant threat to the destruction of coral reefs. This situation puts the Great Barrier Reef at a heightened risk level, endangering its rich biodiversity, which includes over 1,500 species of fish, 100 species of jellyfish, thousands of mollusks, and more. Additionally, it is a vital cultural and economic resource for Aboriginal communities who rely on it for their livelihoods.

The Great Barrier Reef plays a pivotal role in sustaining the region’s economy by contributing to over ten thousand jobs. However, climate change has brought about an increase in wet weather events, along with the heightened risk of cyclones and floods, further exacerbating the challenges faced by this precious natural wonder and the communities that depend on it.