Natural disasters cost $4.5 billion a year - expected to double by 2030
Major cities and infrastricture is mainly on the coast
More severe floods due to tropical cyclones - particularly in Queensland with cyclones costing their GDP by up to $4 billion due to tourism and coal exports
Rising sea levels have accelerated erosion threatening the Gold Coast
Saltwater intrusions have impacted have damaged freshwater ecosystems such as the Kakadu National Park
Bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef
Coastal squeeze
$226 billion worth of homes and infrastructure are at risk
250,000 homes are at risk
Heatwaves have increased health problems and major fires in 2019/20 causing loss of life and damge to businesses and homes
Increased risk of drought - especially in the South
Since mid 1990s, rainfall has dropped 15% - Drought from 1996-2010 in Murray-Darling Basin
Steep decline in crop yields and expensive relief packages caused economically impacts
Decline in tourism, employment, water supplies and ecosystems
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Mitigation and adaptation
GHG emissions increased by 30% from 1990 to 2010
Kyoto agreement in 2007
5-25% reduction by 2020 based on 2000 levels
Developed a cap-anad-trade scheme with the EU
Increased development of renewables by 2020
More urgent schemes need to be put in place as these are all long-term strategies
Researching GM crops
Adaption on the coasts including sea walls, flood gates and dams to alleviate river flooding
relocation of houses and businesses
Stricter planning laws
$9 billion investment program to develop new water resources
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