Climate change is impacting all aspects of our society. This includes our natural environment, health, infrastructure, the economy, and more.
The changes we are seeing are causing damage and disruption to people and places that are important to us and our way of life.
To help us adapt to these changes, the Australian Government has released:
- our first National Climate Risk Assessment - a comprehensive overview of the future nationally significant climate risks and impacts
- our National Adaptation Plan - a policy framework to respond to these risks.
Together, they provide the key foundations for understanding and responding to climate impacts.
The National Climate Risk Assessment is a new evidence base of best-available information to inform adaptation planning and action.
It finds the impacts on Australia are extensive. But the worst-case scenario is not our inevitable future.
Taking action to adapt can reduce the social, environmental and economic impacts identified in the risk assessment.
The National Adaptation Plan provides a vision for a well-adapted Australia.
It sets out current and future actions in key sectors and principles to guide future action. It demonstrates that there is already extensive adaptation action underway. The Australian Government has also committed to working with states, territories and local government to create an action agenda for this plan to give effect to priority actions identified for government at all levels of Australian society.
Adaptation involves everyone. Governments, households, industry, businesses and community organisations all have a role to play. The risk assessment and plan provide a firm basis for taking coordinated action to respond to our future climate.
The National Climate Risk Assessment also highlights the need for continued global action to mitigate emissions. By acting now, we can avoid the worst.
Playing a strong and active role in global climate action is in Australia's national interest.
This is why the Australia Government will be announcing its 2035 Target and Net Zero Plan soon.
