One and a half million Australians living in coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels by 2050, according to a landmark climate report.
Australia's first National Climate Risk Assessment predicted more frequent and severe climate hazards like floods, cyclones, heatwaves, droughts and bushfires.
"Australians are already living with the consequences of climate change today but it's clear every degree of warming we prevent now will help future generations avoid the worst impacts in years to come," Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said.
The report looked at three global warming scenarios - above 1.5C, above 2C and above 3C.
Australia has already reached warming of above 1.5C, the report said, noting that at 3C, heat-related deaths in Sydney may rise by more than 400% and almost triple in Melbourne.
