Less than 1° of warming

The Great Barrier Reef will be impacted heavily by climate change, starting with increases in temperature of only 1°, at which point there will be local to widespread coral bleaching over most reefs. The core habitats of species in Australia's internationally significant environments of North Queensland will experience major reductions.  Heatwave deaths are projected to increase in Brisbane. 

1-2°C of warming

81% of the Great Barrier Reef will be bleached, and there will be significant loss of coral reefs.  In Cairns, the area flooded by extreme storm surges will double. Significant species extinction will occur in Australia's internationally significant environments of North Queensland will experience major reductions. The number of extreme fire days will double. Water supply infrastructure and buildings in coastal settlements will be moderately impacted. 

2-3°C of warming

97% of the Great Barrier Reef will be bleached. Impacts on reef-based tourism in Queensland will be high. Warming at this level will have a major effect on annual heatwave deaths in Brisbane, increasing from 134 (today) to 776-1,368. Dengue fever will spread south to Brisbane. Species extinction will be widespread.The number of extreme fire days will double. Water supply infrastructure and buildings in coastal settlements will be moderately impacted. 

Greater than 3°C of warming

Coral species will undergo catastrophic death annually. The Great Barrier Reef will be destroyed. Thousands of additional temperature-related deaths will occur in Queensland each year. Water supply infrastructure and buildings in coastal settlements will be extremely iimpacted. 

Source: Climate Impacts and Emissions Targets

           Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report: Implications for Australia