Climate Risk in Broome, WA
Broome is a coastal town in Western Australia that faces several climate-related risks. The most significant risks are heatwaves, flooding, and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades.
Is Broome Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Broome, Western Australia, 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 Broome
Flood
Broome faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. The low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Broome has a relatively low bushfire risk compared to other regions in Western Australia, but dry vegetation during the dry season can increase the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Broome experiences high temperatures and humidity, leading to significant heat stress, especially during the summer months. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Broome is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The coastline is already experiencing some erosion.
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 Broome
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
Broome experiences high temperatures and humidity, leading to significant heat stress, especially during the summer months. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·High humidity
flood Risk
Broome faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. The low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
coastal Risk
Broome is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The coastline is already experiencing some erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
Broome has a relatively low bushfire risk compared to other regions in Western Australia, but dry vegetation during the dry season can increase the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Wind
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase.
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
Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termImprove drainage systems to manage increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement Heat Action Plan
ImmediateDevelop and implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCoastal Protection Measures
Long-termInvest in coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to reduce coastal erosion.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreWater Conservation Programs
Near-termPromote water conservation to manage water scarcity during prolonged dry periods.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Campaigns
ImmediateRaise community awareness about climate risks and adaptation strategies.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Broome's Climate Risk Profile
Broome is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and is known for its pearling industry and beautiful beaches. However, the town is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The primary climate risks for Broome include increased heatwaves, flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges, and coastal erosion due to sea level rise. The region already experiences high temperatures and humidity, which can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Climate projections indicate that Broome will experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future, as well as increased rainfall intensity. Sea level rise is also expected to exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation, threatening infrastructure and ecosystems.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Adaptation strategies include improving infrastructure to withstand flooding and coastal erosion, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and promoting water conservation. Mitigation efforts involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the pace of climate change.
The local council and community are working to address these challenges, but further action is needed to protect Broome from the impacts of climate change. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and raising awareness about climate risks.
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
Shire of Broome
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Broome?
The main climate change risks for Broome include increased heatwaves, flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges, and coastal erosion due to sea level rise.
How is the local council addressing climate change?
The Shire of Broome is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including upgrading drainage infrastructure and promoting water conservation.
What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?
Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
What is being done to protect Cable Beach from coastal erosion?
The Shire of Broome is investigating coastal protection measures such as beach nourishment and seawalls to protect Cable Beach from erosion.
Are insurance premiums likely to increase in Broome due to climate change?
Yes, insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increased risk of flooding, coastal erosion, and other climate-related events.
Where can I find more information about flood risks in Broome?
You can find more information about flood risks on the Shire of Broome website and the DFES website.
Get your property's risk report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Broome, use our analysis tool.
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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