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Climate change, not the military threat posed by China, is the biggest security challenge we face experts warn.
An alarming report from the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group says the country is unprepared for the threats posed bycausing the nation and billions of dollars at risk.
One of the report’s authors, former Australian Defense Force chief Chris Barrie, says Australia has turned a blind eye to the security risks of climate change, leaving the country vulnerable.
“All the billions of resources being poured into confronting China will not help one iota in tackling the biggest threat to our future security in Australia and the region, and that is climate disruption,” he said.
“Large parts of Australia could become uninhabitable within 30 to 40 years, threatening military bases, communities and the economy.
“Yet there is little recognition of this threat to Australia, leaving the country seriously exposed to the devastating costs.”
The group came up with 13 recommendations to increase action on climate change and ensure Australia was better prepared.
One of these was the creation of a climate threat intelligence unit within the Office of National Intelligence to ensure that security decisions take into account the risks of global warming.
The report warned of increased pressures facing defense forces and emergency services due to more intense natural disasters, predicting that the increasing frequency of such events would deplete resources.
“Inadequate action by Australian governments has left our country ill-prepared for the impacts of global warming, and Australia continues to fall short in addressing climate security risks,” the report said.
“The focus should be on the root causes of climate warming, essentially eliminating emissions much faster than proposed, rather than responding primarily to the symptoms of floods, fires and related disasters.”
The publication of the report comes as former Dutch defense chief and chairman of the International Military Council for Climate and Security, Tom Middendorp, is due to address the National Press Club on Tuesday.
His speech will focus on how climate change is a matter of national security.
“Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest game changer of this century. It affects not only our environment, but also our economies and security in profound ways,” he said.
“For Australia and its region, escalating climate impacts, ranging from food and water insecurity to displacement and conflict, require urgent, coordinated action.”
The retired Dutch general will also address the National Climate Security Summit in Canberra.
