ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Climate Change Is A ‘Direct Threat’ To Australia’s National Security

Climate Change Is A ‘Direct Threat’ To Australia’s National Security

A World Bank report predicts that by 2050, 143 million people across Africa, Latin America and South Asia could become climate migrants.

LADBible Australia

LADBible Australia

It's no secret that Australia's droughts and heatwaves have become more frequent and severe over recent years; but no matter how loud scientists and activists call for change, political leaders are still reluctant to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Now it seems the military forces are supporting the cause with Defence Force Chief, Angus Campbell, warning that Australia is "the most natural disaster-prone region in the world", adding "climate change will have serious ramifications for global security and serious ramifications for the ADF (Australian Defence Force)."

Since 2008, an average of 24 million people per year have been displaced due to extreme weather events and climate-related disasters.

A World Bank report predicts that by 2050, 143 million people across Africa, Latin America and South Asia could become climate migrants; and with Australia enjoying a fairly low population, the lucky country has been earmarked as an obvious option for climate-driven migrant relief.

PA Images

Knowing this, the World Bank has asked Australia to step up and allow open migration from Pacific Islands affected by climate change but given Australia's track record towards refugees and asylum seekers, experts are dubious to how this may play out.

American climate security expert Sherri Goodman described climate change as a direct threat to the national security of Australia, saying that we are "likely to see increasing waves of migration from small island states and highly populated areas in Asia that can't accommodate people when a very strong storm hits."

In support of this, the Department of Defence has reported an 'upwards trend' in disaster related events in the past 20 years, with Defence Force Chief, Angus Campbell, believing that Australia could become overwhelmed by disaster relief missions that would stretch first response units such as defence, police, fire, ambulance and emergency relief services.

Nevertheless, as the reasons to address climate change pile up, the Australian government continue to invest in fossil fuels, leaving many wondering what it will take for the government to take action against climate change before it's too late.

To pressure the Australian government into addressing the impacts of climate change click here.

CITIZEN REEF Supporting Partner
CITIZEN REEF Supporting Partner
Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Environment, climate change, Australia, Citizen Reef