Climate Risk in Perth, WA
Perth faces increasing climate risks, particularly from heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal hazards. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents and businesses should take steps to adapt to these changing conditions.
Is Perth Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Perth, 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 Perth
Flood
Perth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and riverine flooding. The Swan River and its tributaries can overflow during periods of intense precipitation.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Perth's proximity to bushland areas increases its vulnerability to bushfires, particularly during hot and dry summer months. Strong winds can quickly spread fires towards residential areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
Heat
Perth experiences high temperatures during summer, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Perth's coastal location makes it susceptible to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Low-lying areas are at risk of inundation during storm surges and high tides.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Perth
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
Perth experiences high temperatures during summer, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced vegetation cover
flood Risk
Perth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and riverine flooding. The Swan River and its tributaries can overflow during periods of intense precipitation.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Aging drainage infrastructure
coastal Risk
Perth's coastal location makes it susceptible to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Low-lying areas are at risk of inundation during storm surges and high tides.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
- ·Coastal development
bushfire Risk
Perth's proximity to bushland areas increases its vulnerability to bushfires, particularly during hot and dry summer months. Strong winds can quickly spread fires towards residential areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
- ·More frequent heatwaves
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas.
Price Impact
Properties in vulnerable areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise if near the coast.
- 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
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 building energy efficiency
Near-termRetrofit existing buildings with insulation, efficient windows, and solar panels to reduce energy consumption and reliance on air conditioning during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreExpand green infrastructure
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade and cooling.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade drainage infrastructure
Near-termImprove drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreStrengthen coastal defenses
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to protect against sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreDevelop community emergency plans
ImmediateCreate community-based emergency plans to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, bushfires, and floods.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Perth's Climate Risk Profile
Perth is experiencing the effects of climate change, with rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These changes pose significant risks to the city's environment, economy, and community.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, placing strain on the city's infrastructure and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Bushfires are also a growing concern, with drier conditions and increased fuel loads creating a higher risk of large-scale fires.
Coastal erosion and sea level rise threaten low-lying areas of Perth, potentially displacing residents and damaging infrastructure. Flooding from heavy rainfall events is also a risk, particularly in areas with poor drainage.
Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from government, businesses, and the community. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing adaptation measures to protect vulnerable populations.
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
City of Perth
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Perth?
Perth is primarily at risk from heatwaves, bushfires, coastal erosion, and flooding, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.
How is the City of Perth addressing climate change?
The City of Perth is developing and implementing climate action plans to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Check their website for details.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Perth?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
How can I protect my property from bushfires in Perth?
Clear vegetation around your home, maintain your property, and have a bushfire survival plan in place. Refer to the DFES website for detailed guidance.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Perth?
Check the City of Perth website and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for flood maps and information.
Is Perth prepared for future climate change impacts?
Perth is actively working to prepare for future climate change impacts through various adaptation and mitigation strategies, but ongoing efforts are needed.
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 Perth, 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