An alarming report from the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group says the country isn't prepared for the threats caused by climate change, putting the nation's future safety and billions of dollars at risk.
One of the report's authors, former Australian Defence Force chief Chris Barrie, says Australia has turned a blind eye to the risks of climate change in terms of security, leaving the country vulnerable.
Chris Barrie warns swathes of Australia could be uninhabitable within 30 to 40 years. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
"All the billions of resources being put into confronting China will not help one iota in dealing with the greatest threat to our future security in Australia and the region, and that is climate disruption," he said.
"Large parts of Australia could become uninhabitable within 30 to 40 years, threatening military bases, communities and the economy.
"Yet there is little recognition of this threat to Australia, leaving the nation severely exposed to the devastating costs."
The group put forward 13 recommendations to increase action on climate change and ensure Australia was better prepared.
More natural disasters are putting defence forces and emergency services under increasing pressure. (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE)
Among them was to establish a climate threat intelligence unit within the Office of National Intelligence, so security decisions factored in global warming risks.
The report warned of greater pressures being faced by defence forces and emergency services following more intense natural disasters, and predicted the increasing frequency of such events would stretch resources.
"Inadequate action by Australian governments has left our nation poorly prepared to face global warming's consequences, and Australia remains missing in action on climate security risks," the report said.
"The focus should be on the root causes of climate warming, principally eliminating emissions much faster than proposed, rather than primarily responding to the symptoms of floods, fires and related disasters."
The focus should be on eliminating emissions rather than responding to floods, fires and disasters. (HANDOUT/DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE)
The release of the report comes as former Dutch defence chief and International Military Council on Climate and Security chair Tom Middendorp will address the National Press Club on Tuesday.
His speech will be on how climate change is a matter of national security.
"Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest game changer of this century. It affects not just our environment, but also out economies and security in profound ways," he said.
"For Australia and its region, the escalating climate impacts, ranging from food and water insecurity to displacement and conflict, demand urgent, co-ordinated action."
The retired Dutch general will also address the National Climate Security Summit in Canberra.
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