Australia"s tourism at risk: climate threats from Bondi to Uluru

A recent report indicates that nearly two-thirds of Australia’s renowned tourist attractions are at risk from climate change by 2050. This includes significant sites such as national parks, beaches, and airports, with the potential for 55% to 80% of these locations to face severe climate impacts depending on global temperature increases. Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest is highlighted as particularly vulnerable, already experiencing the effects of rising temperatures and flooding. The tourism sector, which contributes $170 billion annually to the economy and supports over 620,000 jobs, could face devastating losses. In the event of a disaster similar to the 2019-20 bushfires, up to 176,000 jobs could be lost, particularly in regions reliant on natural attractions. The report emphasizes the need for Australia to not only focus on reducing carbon emissions but also to prepare for the physical impacts of climate change that are already evident. All 31 of Australia’s busiest airports are classified as high-risk for climate disasters, with 94% falling into the most extreme risk category. These airports are crucial for tourism, facing threats from storms, extreme heat, and winds that could disrupt flights and damage infrastructure. Regions like Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory are particularly at risk, with a significant percentage of their tourism assets categorized as high-risk. The analysis underscores the importance of understanding the risks posed by climate change to effectively prepare and respond to its impacts on Australia’s tourism industry.