Anthony Albanese to order intelligence chief to examine security threats posed by climate crisis

Prime minister Anthony Albanese will task the head of the Office of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, to lead a review of security threats posed to Australia by the climate crisis. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Anthony Albanese will ask Australia’s most senior intelligence chief, Andrew Shearer, to personally lead a review of the security threats posed by the climate crisis.

The move has been backed by a former Australian defence force chief, retired Admiral Chris Barrie, who warned the government to plan for climate risks including disruptions to trade, more severe drought, and increasing demands on emergency services and the military.