The future scale and severity of these issues will depend on how quickly governments reduce global climate pollution, according to the Climate Council report.

“While many countries are now taking measures to cut climate pollution, the combined effort is not yet at the speed or scale required to protect humanity from the worst impacts of climate change.”

What could happen to Australia?

It also said the decline of coral reefs would increase by up to 29 per cent, and the decline in marine fisheries would double.

If global warming increased by 3C, Australia’s coral reefs would cease to exist, along with many fishery and tourism industries, and marine ecosystems globally. Many land ecosystems and primary industries would be destroyed or changed “beyond recognition”, according to the Climate Council.

What are the recommendations?

Their analysis found Australia needs to reduce climate pollution by 75 per cent or more from 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035 to adequately contribute to global targets.

The report said the targets must be based on “genuine and real reductions” to emissions, including minimising reliance on offsets.

What is the government doing on climate change?

But it has also been criticised for its approval of coal mine extensions and oil and gas projects, which environmental groups say undermine credibility in tackling rising emissions.