Climate change is real, says the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology. Image: CSIRO.

By Rob O'Brien

Two of the country’s leading climate science agencies have given a bleak assessment of the impact of climate change on Australia.

In a joint statement to launch the State of the Climate report, the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology Changes warned of higher recorded rainfalls and rapidly rising sea levels.

According to the climate snapshot sea level rises in parts of Australia were 4mm higher than global averages between 1993 and 2009, with rises of 7-10mm per year in the north and west of the country, and 1.5-3mm in the south and east.

Sea level rises globally were recorded to be about 3.0mm per year from 1993-2009.

The report also highlighted variable rainfall across the country, with substantial increases in rainfall in northern and central parts of Australia, as well as significant decreases across much of southern and eastern Australia.

Hitting back at climate change sceptics, Bureau of Meteorology Director Dr Greg Ayers said the observed changes proved that global warming was real.

“Australia holds one of the best national climate records in the world,” he said.

“The Bureau’s been responsible for keeping that record for more than a hundred years and it’s there for anyone and everyone to see, use and analyse.”

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Megan Clark said the Bureau data underpinned a great deal of CSIRO research.

“Understanding options for mitigation and adaptation are important research priorities for us,” Dr Clark said.

“With this snapshot, Australians will be better prepared for the next step of planning for how to adapt to a changing climate and how to also take action to reduce the impacts of climate change.

"CSIRO has been working with industry and in sectors of the economy such as agriculture to prepare for and implement necessary changes.”

Dr Ayers said the snapshot presented the facts in an accessible format.

“There is a thirst for good quality climate science and our two organisations are proud to publish this,” he said.

Read the full report: State of the Climate [PDF]