Australia’s first national climate risk assessment has prompted a wave of misinformation from climate sceptical politicians and commentators, including Nationals senator Matt Canavan and Sky presenter Chris Kenny. The 280-page report, backed by over 250 experts, concludes that climate change is already affecting the nation’s economy and communities, with rising temperatures expected to exacerbate problems.
Senator Canavan, speaking on Radio National, claimed the report was a 'cynical attempt to spread fear and panic', alleging a contradiction between its headlines and details on cyclones. However, the overview document states that Australia will likely see fewer tropical cyclones, but proportionally more severe ones – no contradiction exists. Canavan also argued that net zero policies undermine sovereignty, citing the loss of urea manufacturing, but failed to mention a major urea plant being built in the Pilbara.
Chris Kenny, on Sky News, dismissed the assessment as a 'public relations document pushing alarmist buttons' and claimed extreme weather events are not worsening. He argued that floods and bushfires are in line with history, and heat records are due to lowered previous records. Yet the State of the Climate report from the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO confirms an observed increase in heavy rainfall intensity from storms.
Both critics are known for opposing the net zero emissions target, which is causing internal division within the Coalition. The report’s findings, supported by extensive expert input, clearly outline the growing risks from climate change across all sectors of Australian society.
