Mapping shows the Aussie beaches and homes at risk from sea level rise

Iconic Australian beaches sinking to rising sea levels

Words: Charis Chang Producer: Bianca Farmakis

Some of Australia’s most pristine coastlines and beaches could be washed away if action on climate change is not taken, as sea levels are predicted to rise.

Global sea levels have risen by 20cm between 1901 and 2018, with the impact of high greenhouse gas emissions pushing the stakes higher .

"There is high confidence that the sea level will continue to rise, and well beyond the end of this century.”

- Dr James Goldie of the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub

Beaches like Byron Bay and Manly in NSW, as well as Bells Beach and Brighton in Victoria, will come under threat.

Flooding on streets and suburbs across the country is expected as levels rise even further.

Updated mapping by Coastal Risk Australia predicts a rise in sea levels of 84cm by 2100. The website previously used a figure of 74cm for its high-emissions scenario.

"By 2050, sea level change of 15cm-30cm will be unavoidable. This means that coastal flooding will become worse during storm surges."

- Nathan Eaton, Executive Director of NGIS Australia

Based on individual nations' current climate pledges, there could be 3-4C of warming by 2100. This means sea levels are likely to rise by about 70cm.

Analysis from the Reserve Bank of Australia found house prices were expected to fall by 10 per cent or more in some areas by 2050 because of climate change.