Updated
The report found up to 274,000 homes are at risk of inundation and erosion along with over 8,000 commercial buildings (ABC News: Giulio Saggin)
A new report on the risk of climate change to Australia's coasts predicts sea level rises could claim thousands of buildings and significant infrastructure by the end of the century.
The report, titled Risk to Coastal Settlements and Communities, was commissioned by the Federal Government and assesses the potential damage caused by a worst-case scenario sea level rise of 1.1 metres within 90 years.
It comes as the nation's climate scientists vow to continue their research, despite a growing campaign of death threats against them.
The report identifies $226 billion worth of assets at risk of erosion or being wiped out.
It found up to 274,000 homes are at risk of inundation and erosion along with over 8,000 commercial buildings, and up to 35,000 kilometres of roads and rail around the country.
It warns any future developments in coastal areas must take account of potential sea level rises.
The report also warns climate change will increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters, which currently cost around $1 billion a year.
Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet says the research is designed to help people adapt.
"We've got to do the work to understand what the potential risks are so we can prepare for it," he said.
"One thing obviously we have to do is cut our pollution in partnership with other nations internationally, but we've also got to make sure that we adapt to the potential consequences of climate change and that's what this report is intended to understand."
He says 85 per cent of Australia's infrastructure is along the coast line.
"The sea level rise of up to 1.1 metre, which is at the high end of the scenarios that the scientists are suggesting, would have a devastating impact, as much as $266 billion worth of potential damage and loss," he said.
Meanwhile, thousands of people have taken to the streets across Australia to rally in favour of putting a price on carbon.
Unions have joined with groups, including the Climate Institute and Greenpeace, in a campaign to "Say Yes" to cutting pollution and taking action on climate change.
ACTU secretary Jeff Lawrence says the rallies are designed to calm the heated debate surrounding the carbon tax.
"This is just the start and we really need to push back against against this sort of attempt to create a Tea Party movement in Australia, we need to ensure there's a mature debate on these issues," he said.
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Chat about this story w/ TalkitaSource: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/05/3235873.htm
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