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Climate change risks to Australia: IPCC

A major report has found that Australia will face more extreme weather due to climate change. (AAP)

The latest IPCC report on climate change impacts and projections for Australia.

OBSERVED CHANGES AND IMPACTS FOR AUSTRALIA:

* More hot days and heatwaves, less snow

* More rainfall in the north, less April-October rainfall in the southwest and southeast.

* More extreme fire weather days in the south and east.

* Extreme events included Australia's hottest and driest year in 2019 with a record-breaking number of days over 39C.

* Three major floods in eastern Australia during 2019-2021.

* Major fires in southern and eastern Australia during 2019-2020.

* Extreme heat has led to excess deaths and increased rates of many illnesses.

* Nuisance and extreme coastal flooding have increased due to sea-level rise superimposed upon high tides and storm surges in low-lying locations.

* The Bramble Cay melomys, an endemic mammal species, became extinct due to loss of habitat associated with sea-level rise and storm surges in the Torres Strait.

* Extensive coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef and loss of temperate kelp forests due to ocean warming and marine heatwaves.

PROJECTED IMPACTS AND KEY RISKS:

* Further climate change is inevitable.

* The rate and magnitude will be largely dependent on the emission pathway.

* More hot days and fewer cold days.

* Further sea-level rise, ocean warming and ocean acidification.

* Less winter and spring rainfall is projected in southern Australia.

* Uncertain rainfall changes in northern Australia.

* More droughts and extreme fire weather projected in southern and eastern Australia.

* Increased rainfall intensity is projected, with fewer tropical cyclones and a greater proportion of severe cyclones.

* Ongoing impacts on species and ecosystems

SOURCE: IPCC Working Group II report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

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