Climate change in Australia - statistics & facts

Rising global temperatures and climate change have adversely affected Australia in many areas, with the consequences becoming more apparent in recent years. Extremely high temperatures and drought are significant environmental threats to Australia, which is already the driest inhabited continent on earth. Recent climate modeling has indicated that without action, the southern part of Australia will become susceptible to even more drought, leading to an increase in the frequency of bushfires, which can cause significant damage to flora, wildlife, and the livelihoods of Australians.

The impact of extreme weather events

The resulting social, ecological, and economic losses from major weather events in Australia have been significant. The 2019/2020 bushfire season was one of the worst natural disasters in recent years. Many negative consequences arise from large wildfire disasters including loss of life, land and property destruction, ongoing ecological impacts, and threats to public health from air quality deterioration. Furthermore, the economic impact of bushfires and other major weather-related disasters can be substantial and long-lasting. While overall negative, the estimated change in GDP from unmitigated climate change varies state by state.

Public support for climate change action is growing

Most Australians believe that climate change is occurring in the country. Australia has pledged to the Paris Agreement, which sets out to limit global temperature rise to less than two degrees above pre-industrial levels. While this has led to some technological innovation and industry change within the country, some experts believe not enough is being done in Australia to reach its target. This has prompted additional government funding to pay for carbon abatement projects, implemented to try and reduce the country’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.

How will Australia reduce its emissions?

The energy sector in Australia contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, but many Australians are directly or indirectly employed in this industry. Fossil fuels still account for the overwhelming majority of energy consumption in the country. While, a shift towards renewable energy sources is slowly taking place, around a third of the public do not believe coal-fired power stations should be completely phased out. Nevertheless, transforming Australia’s energy sector may be crucial in reducing emissions, and mitigating the impact of climate change in the country.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by L. Granwal, Apr 24, 2024

Key insights

Leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia
Electricity sector
Highest temperatures recorded in Australia
50.7 °C
Share of the Australian population who believe in climate change
77%
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Annual volume of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia from 2013 to 2023 (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)

Emissions

Annual greenhouse gas emissions in Australia 2013-2023

Annual mean temperature deviation in Australia from 1910 to 2023 (in degrees Celsius)

Climate and Weather

Annual mean temperature deviation in Australia 1910-2023

Annual volume of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia as of September 2023, by source (in million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent)

Emissions

Annual greenhouse gas emissions in Australia 2023, by source

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