Australia's Security Threat: 'Near Unliveable' Heat Endangers Military Bases, Warns Defence Group

Former Australian Defence Force chief Chris Barrie is raising the alarm about the severe risks climate change poses to Australia's national security, particularly in the country's north. Barrie, who now serves on the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group, criticizes the government's National Defence Strategy for failing to adequately address the threats presented by a changing climate.

Why this matters: The impacts of climate change on military bases and operations have far-reaching consequences for national security and global stability. The impacts of climate change on military bases and operations have far-reaching consequences for national security and global stability. Therefore, it is crucial for governments to prioritize climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure the continued effectiveness of their defense capabilities.

The government's strategy acknowledges climate change as an "unprecedented challenge" to national security but falls short of outlining comprehensive plans to mitigate its impact. It only briefly mentions the need for Australian Defence Force bases to adopt climate adaptation strategies and improve energy resilience. Barrie argues this passing mention is insufficient given the magnitude of the threat.

Military Base Vulnerability: The Australian Security Leaders Climate Group warns that rising temperatures could make parts of northern Australia"near-unliveable"by 2100, jeopardizing the future of crucialmilitary installationsin the region. Royal Australian Air Force bases in Darwin and Katherine, along with a naval base in Darwin, are among the facilities at risk. Projections indicate temperatures in these areas could exceed 35°C on most days of the year and soar above 40°C for up to a third of the year, making military operations and training extremely difficult, if not impossible.

"It appears that the government either doesn't understand what our scientists are telling them, or they are deliberately hiding the facts from the Australian community," Barrie states. He emphasizes the need to address the broader consequences of climate change, such as its impact on agriculture, food shortages, and the potential for state failures in the Pacific Islands region.

Climate Migration: Barrie points to Bangladesh as a stark case study, warning, "If I look at a case study such as the country of Bangladesh, which I think is just a devastating climate consequences story: where will all those people currently living in Bangladesh go when their country is buried under sea water?" The implications of climate change extend far beyond military concerns, with the potential to trigger massive population relocations and humanitarian crises.

Climate Defense Strategy: The Australian government has committed $14 billion over the next decade to bolster the nation's northern defenses. However, this strategic shift may be undermined by the impacts of climate change. In 2022, the Office of National Intelligence provided classified advice on climate change risks to the government, but the report remains secret. The Australian Security Leaders Climate Group is calling for the establishment of a climate threat intelligence branch within the Office of National Intelligence to provide regular, declassified briefings to parliament.

Climate Defense: Australia's allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have already incorporated climate change risks into their defense strategies. In contrast, Australia's approach appears to be lagging behind. The nation faces significant challenges posed by a changing climate, and it is essential that the government takes a proactive and transparent approach in addressing these risks. The viability of Australia's military capabilities and the security of its people depend on it.

Key Takeaways

• Climate change poses severe risks to Australia's national security, particularly in the north.
• Australia's National Defence Strategy fails to adequately address climate change threats.
• Rising temperatures could make parts of northern Australia "near-unliveable" by 2100, jeopardizing military installations.
• Climate change could trigger massive population relocations and humanitarian crises, impacting global stability.
• Australia lags behind allies in incorporating climate change risks into its defense strategy.