A Closer Look at Australia’s Climate Challenges and Impacts
Australia’s eighth biennial State of the Climate report, released by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO, provides crucial insights into climate changes observed across the nation.
Drawing from both national and international climate research, the report highlights how Australia’s climate has been consistently warming, driven by human-caused emissions and compounded by natural variability.
Since 1910, Australia’s land temperatures have risen by an average of 1.51°C, while sea temperatures have climbed by 1.08°C since 1900. These shifts have led to more frequent and intense heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and severe droughts.

In the south-west, rainfall has declined by 16% from April to October since 1970, and fire weather conditions have intensified, lengthening the fire season across vast regions. Meanwhile, rising sea levels and increased ocean acidity are threatening coastal areas and marine ecosystems.
The report stresses the urgency for Australia to adapt to the intensifying climate risks, which impact communities, ecosystems, and the economy. Addressing climate risks and reducing emissions remain vital to safeguarding Australia’s future as the country faces a range of complex, interconnected climate challenges.
Source bom.gov.au