Ellen Burbidge found a new home in Hobart, believing its cooler climate would offer safety from climate change. She’s not alone in this mindset.
New research from Professor Clive Hamilton at Charles Sturt University reveals a significant shift. About 14% of Australians who moved in the last six years cited climate change as a reason. Among those considering a move this year, that figure rises to 22%. The concern is especially pronounced among people who have faced extreme weather, with one-third of them saying climate played a role in their relocation.
Interestingly, many Australians consider Tasmania their safest bet in a warming world. Hamilton’s study indicates that people in New South Wales, Brisbane, and regional Queensland are particularly motivated to leave for climate-related reasons. In fact, 41% believe Tasmania is the best place for safety as temperatures rise.
The federal government’s climate risk assessment aligns with these views, noting southeast Australia is likely to be safer as the planet heats up. However, Hamilton argues that there’s a gap in governmental responses. While reducing greenhouse gases is crucial, much of the warming we face is already locked in. He urges for greater focus on climate adaptation, as many individuals begin to take matters into their own hands.
This trend is already underway. People are relocating to cooler regions, seeking refuge. Hamilton himself is one of those who bought land in Tasmania for this very reason. He foresees a demographic shift where some Australians move to areas perceived as climate-safe while others remain in increasingly vulnerable locations. This division could lead to drastically different communities; some focused on climate resilience while others face growing vulnerabilities.
Jessie Bodor, who left a high-powered law job in Sydney for a quieter life in Hobart, echoes this sentiment. She now works with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, dedicating her efforts to climate action. “I think reshuffling is happening now,” she says, as new arrivals foster interconnected communities to share knowledge and experiences about climate issues.
Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood sees this influx of newcomers as positive. He notes that as people settle in Tasmania, they often want to engage with and improve their new communities. Yet, Peter George, an independent MP who has lived this shift, warns of potential conflict as the local culture grapples with rapid changes driven by new residents. While their skills and resources are beneficial, tensions can arise from the adaptation to these newcomers.
Amidst these changes, there are still realities that trouble residents. Despite moving south, Burbidge wonders about her safety. The waters around Tasmania warm quickly, and even its famous kelp forests are under threat. Recently, Tasmania declared emergencies due to early bushfire seasons, illustrating that climate change is a pervasive risk, even in seemingly safer regions.
“I thought I would feel safer, but I don’t know if I do,” Burbidge admits. The intense fear from her experiences remains, affecting her choices about starting a family.
Author Richard Flanagan poignantly notes that fleeing only goes so far. “You can run, but when you have run as far south as you can, you are brought face to face with what is destroying our world.” Ultimately, he believes we must all confront these issues and decide our stance.
This theme resonates on social media too, as more users share their concerns about climate change through hashtags like #ClimateRefugees. It reflects a growing awareness that climate-related migrations are not just a future concern but a current reality impacting personal choices and community dynamics.
To better understand the broader implications of this trend, you can explore the Australian National Climate Risk Assessment for more insights. It serves as a reminder that adapting to climate change is becoming essential for Australians across the board.
