The latest Federal Intergenerational Report suggests crop yields could be up to 4 per cent lower by 2063.

Reduced yields are expected due to increased frequency and severity of extreme weather, including droughts, as well as most crops producing less in higher temperatures.

Stephanie Gray, a campaigner at Queensland Conservation Council says that Queensland needs to do its part to reduce climate emissions.

“This report should be an alarm bell for everyone in our community because no matter if you’re a construction worker, farmer, or tourism operator increasing global temperatures will have negative impacts on your hip-pocket,” she said.

“The longer we delay taking action to reduce emissions, the higher those costs will be.

“In Queensland our economy is heavily supported by agriculture and tourism.

“Tens of thousands of people rely on the health of the Great Barrier Reef for employment.

“We have a lot to lose if we don’t act now.

“Queensland has one of the worst emission reduction targets in the country,” Ms Gray said.

“We’re urgently calling on the Premier to increase Queensland’s climate ambition and aim for at least a 60 per cent by 2030 emission reduction target.”

Currently Queensland has a 30 per cent by 2030 emission reduction target, but the State has already achieved a 29 per cent reduction.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 31 August 2023.