Australia's expansion of fossil fuels a 'failure of national duty' says former ADF Chief

The former Chief of the Australian Defence Force has said that inaction has left Australia “dangerously exposed” to climate change.

Speaking to the Climate Crisis Summit in Canberra, Admiral Chris Barrie said the expansion of fossil fuels was a “failure of national duty”.

Admiral Barrie spoke about the devastating impacts climate change is having on Australia, pointing to findings in the National Climate Risk Assessment, which have previously been described as “terrifying”.

The risk assessment warned that there would be more frequent and intense natural disasters, damage and loss of homes, and loss of important ecosystems.

“[The assessment] shows how unprepared we are to face the climate shocks that are already in motion,” Admiral Barrie said.

Admiral Barrie also spoke about the impact climate change was having across globe, including in Asia.

“Security analysts are blunt, cascading climate impacts will drive instability, insecurity and conflict,” he said.

Hundreds and millions of people will be displaced due to food security… the consequences will be profound.”

The former ADF Chief said the lessons of climate change from across the globe are clear across the world.

“[Climate change has] fuelled civil wars, government collapse and mass migration,” he said.

Admiral Barrie was one of many key speakers at the Climate Crisis Summit.

The summit was announced by First Nations and Pacific leaders who are at the forefront of the impacts of climate change – and comes amid the Albanese Government making a series of devastating climate decisions.

Labor is determined to do a deal to pass its environmental legislation and is looking at doing so with the Coalition.

The summit brought together speakers from across several sectors who are seeing the devastating effects of climate change on their communities.

The conversation focused on what will it take to shift Australia beyond fossil fuels and ensure workers, communities and land are protected.