Defence forces exposed by poor preparation for climate change

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ustralia is behind its allies in preparing for climate change, exposing defence personnel – and the country more broadly – to considerable strategic risk and uncertainty, a new report written by the former defence force chief, Admiral Chris Barrie, warns.

Australia lagging behind its
allies - Admiral Chis Barrie.

More than half the world’s natural disasters last year occurred in the Asia-Pacific region and the Australian defence force was increasingly being called upon to provide humanitarian assistance to affected areas, the Climate Council report said.

Although climate change was increasing the frequency and severity of many extreme weather events in the region, the report cited weak government action on climate change as undermining the ADF’s ability to respond.

Read the Guardian story - “Lack of planning for climate change puts Australia behind its allies, report finds”.