Climate change an 'existential security risk' to Australia, Senate inquiry says

Threat is not a possible future one but one endangering Australia now, parliament told

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Climate change is a "current and existential national security risk" to Australia, a Senate inquiry has told parliament, one that could inflame regional conflicts over food, water and land, and even imperil life on Earth.

The Senate committee inquiry into the implications of climate change for Australia's national security recommended an increase in foreign aid to be dedicated to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the region, as well as a government white paper on climate security, Department of Defence emissions targets and a dedicated climate security post within the Department of Home Affairs.