Climate Risk Profile: Lord Howe Island, NSW
Lord Howe Island faces relatively low climate risks compared to mainland Australia. The primary concerns are related to increasing temperatures, potential for coastal erosion, and changes in rainfall patterns. Proactive adaptation measures can help protect the island's unique environment and community.
Is Lord Howe Island Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Overall Risk Score
Hazard Breakdown
Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Lord Howe Island
Flood
Flooding may occur due to heavy rainfall events, particularly in low-lying areas. The island's topography and drainage systems influence flood risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Heavy rainfall
- ·Topography
Bushfire
Bushfire risk is low due to the island's isolation and vegetation type. However, dry conditions can increase the potential for small-scale fires.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry conditions
- ·Vegetation type
Heat
Heatwaves are infrequent, but rising average temperatures may lead to increased heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Climate change
Coastal
Coastal erosion and sea-level rise pose a threat to low-lying coastal areas and infrastructure. The island's unique ecosystem is vulnerable to these changes.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea-level rise
- ·Storm surges
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Lord Howe Island
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Heatwaves are infrequent, but rising average temperatures may lead to increased heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Climate change
- ·Humidity
flood Risk
Flooding may occur due to heavy rainfall events, particularly in low-lying areas. The island's topography and drainage systems influence flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Heavy rainfall
- ·Topography
- ·Drainage capacity
coastal Risk
Coastal erosion and sea-level rise pose a threat to low-lying coastal areas and infrastructure. The island's unique ecosystem is vulnerable to these changes.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea-level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Erosion
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk is low due to the island's isolation and vegetation type. However, dry conditions can increase the potential for small-scale fires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry conditions
- ·Vegetation type
- ·Ignition sources
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance coverage is generally available, but premiums may increase in the future due to climate change risks.
Price Impact
Climate change may have a moderate impact on property values in the long term.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Assess flood risk for low-lying properties
- 2.Consider potential impacts of sea-level rise on coastal properties
- 3.Inquire about insurance coverage for climate-related risks
- 4.Check for erosion risk near coastal areas
How the region's climate is projected to change
Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.
Temperature
+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030
Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.
Rainfall
Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030
The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.
Fire weather
Harsher, magnitude uncertain
High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.
Sea level
+0.12 m by 2030
At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.
Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →
Adaptation Recommendations
Improve water management practices
Near-termImplement water conservation measures and explore alternative water sources to ensure water security during periods of drought.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreProtect coastal areas
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise and erosion.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreControl invasive species
ImmediateImplement programs to control and eradicate invasive species that threaten the island's unique ecosystem.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote sustainable tourism
Near-termEncourage sustainable tourism practices to minimize the environmental impact of tourism and protect the island's natural resources.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Lord Howe Island's Climate Risk Profile
Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its unique biodiversity and natural beauty. While the island experiences a relatively mild climate, it is still vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Rising average temperatures may lead to increased heat stress, particularly during the summer months. Changes in rainfall patterns could affect water availability and agricultural practices. Coastal erosion and sea-level rise pose a threat to low-lying areas and infrastructure.
The island's unique ecosystem is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Changes in ocean temperatures and acidity could affect marine life and coral reefs. Invasive species, exacerbated by climate change, could further threaten native flora and fauna.
Adaptation measures are crucial to protect Lord Howe Island from the impacts of climate change. These may include improving water management practices, protecting coastal areas, and controlling invasive species. Community engagement and education are also essential to build resilience and promote sustainable practices.
Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.
Local Government Resources
Lord Howe Island Board
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Lord Howe Island?
The main climate change risks for Lord Howe Island include rising temperatures, sea-level rise, changes in rainfall patterns, and potential for more intense storms.
How will rising sea levels affect Lord Howe Island?
Rising sea levels could lead to coastal erosion, inundation of low-lying areas, and damage to infrastructure and ecosystems.
What is the Lord Howe Island Board doing to address climate change?
The Lord Howe Island Board is implementing various measures to address climate change, including improving water management practices, protecting coastal areas, and controlling invasive species.
How can residents and visitors help protect Lord Howe Island from climate change?
Residents and visitors can help by conserving water, reducing their carbon footprint, supporting sustainable tourism practices, and participating in community initiatives.
Where can I find more information about climate change on Lord Howe Island?
You can find more information about climate change on the Lord Howe Island Board website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.
Get your property's risk report
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections