Homes, infrastructure, at risk of inundation

ABC Online

The most comprehensive report detailing the risk to Australia’s coastal fringe has been released, and claims that up to 250,000 dwellings are at risk of being inundated by rising sea levels by 2100. The report, ’Climate Change risks to Australia’s Coast’, by the Federal Government, takes into account more frequent and stronger storm surge conditions, as well as a projected 1.1 meter rise in sea levels.

The report places infrastructure such as sea ports, airports, bridges, power stations and water treatment plants at risk, as well as up to $62bn in residential properties. Federal Climate Change minister, Penny Wong, says that “from now on, every planning and development approval must consider climate change as one of the greatest risks”.

Ms Wong also used the launch of the report to strike out at climate change sceptics within opposition ranks.

posted by Vinnie on November 14, 2009 at 12:48 pm · filed under