Australia sea level rise (mm/year) from the early 1990s to June 2010. In recent decades, the rate of increase in sea level has been an order of magnitude faster than the average rate of rise over the previous several thousand years. From 1993 to 2003 global sea level rose by about 3.1 mm a year, compared to 1.8 mm a year when averaged from 1961 to 2003. Source: National Tidal Centre 2010June 5 (ABC) – A new report on the risk of climate change to Australia’s coasts predicts sea level rises could claim thousands of buildings and significant infrastructure by the end of the century.

The report, titled Risk to Coastal Settlements and Communities [pdf], was commissioned by the Federal Government and assesses the potential damage caused by a worst-case scenario sea level rise of 1.1 metres within 90 years. It comes as the nation’s climate scientists vow to continue their research, despite a growing campaign of death threats against them. The report identifies $226 billion worth of assets at risk of erosion or being wiped out. It found up to 274,000 homes are at risk of inundation and erosion along with over 8,000 commercial buildings, and up to 35,000 kilometres of roads and rail around the country. It warns any future developments in coastal areas must take account of potential sea level rises. The report also warns climate change will increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters, which currently cost around $1 billion a year. …

Report outlines worst-case climate damage