Sovereign Archive · Environment

Environment & Climate

Australia's natural systems and environmental challenges — from unique climate zones and biodiversity hotspots to legislated net-zero targets.

Climate Zones

Zone Location Characteristics
TropicalNorth QLD, NT, WAMonsoonal summers, dry winters
Arid (Desert)Central AustraliaExtreme heat, very low rainfall
TemperateVIC, NSW, SAFour seasons, moderate rainfall
AlpineSnowy MountainsCold winters with snowfall

Climate Risks

Bushfire & Flood

Australia has the most fire-prone vegetation on Earth. The 2019–20 Black Summer burned 18.6M hectares. Cyclical flooding is linked to La Niña events.

Coral Bleaching

The Great Barrier Reef faces repeated mass bleaching events linked to marine heatwaves. Monitoring is led by GBRMPA.

Climate Policy

Policy Detail
Climate Change Act 202243% reduction by 2030; net-zero by 2050
Renewable Energy Target82% renewable electricity by 2030
EPBC Act 1999Protects national environmental significance