Climate change in Australia - statistics & facts

Rising global temperatures and climate change have adversely affected Australia in many areas, with the consequences becoming more obvious in recent years. Extremely high temperatures and drought are significant environmental threats to Australia; the country experienced one of its hottest summers on record in 2018/19. Australia is already the driest inhabited continent on earth and recent climate modelling has indicated that without action, the southern part of Australia will become susceptible to even more drought. A side-effect of this is 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

Australia has had its fair share of major weather events, and the resulting social and economic losses have been significant. The 2019/2020 bushfire season was one of the worst natural disasters in recent years, with insurance losses alone exceeding 700 million Australian dollars. Additionally, many wildlife and their habitats were destroyed, and the country’s agriculture industry was also affected. The full extent of damage from major weather events is difficult to estimate, though many Australians are realizing that anthropogenic activities do have an impact on the climate.

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 climate agreement, which sets out to limit global temperature rise to less than two degrees above pre-industrial levels. While this has catalyzed 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.

Future emissions challenges

However, emissions reduction in a country that relies heavily on coal mining has not been without controversy. The energy sector in Australia contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, but many Australians are directly or indirectly employed in this industry. The country is seeing a shift towards more renewable energy sources to combat and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Undoubtedly, finding a balance between economic security and environmental impact mitigation will be necessary.
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, Jan 10, 2024

Key insights

Share of Australian population who believe climate change is occurring
77%
Leading source of GHG emissions
Electricity generation
Highest temperature recorded in Australia
50.7 degrees C
Get more insights

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

Related topics

Recommended

3

Recommended statistics

Overview

7

Overview

Greenhouse gas emissions

5

Greenhouse gas emissions

Emissions outlook

6

Emissions outlook

Public perception

7

Public perception

Further reportsGet the best reports to understand your industry

Contact

Get in touch with us. We are happy to help.
Statista Locations
Contact Meredith Alda
Meredith Alda
Sales Manager– Contact (United States)
Email
support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Contact Yolanda Mega
Yolanda Mega
Operations Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (SGT)

Contact Kisara Mizuno
Kisara Mizuno
Senior Business Development Manager– Contact (Asia)
Email
asia.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm (JST)

Contact Lodovica Biagi
Lodovica Biagi
Director of Operations– Contact (Europe)
Email
eu.support@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9:30am - 5pm (GMT)

Contact Carolina Dulin
Carolina Dulin
Group Director - LATAM– Contact (Latin America)
Email
latam@statista.com

Mon - Fri, 9am - 6pm (EST)

Menu