Adaptation Data Highlight Australia’s Climate Change Response

Australia’s climate is warming at an alarming rate. The latest “State of the Climate 2024” report, released by the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology, reveals that since 1910, Australia’s average temperature has risen by about 1.5°C—most of that since 1950.

This warming mirrors global trends, with 2023 recorded as the warmest year worldwide. For Australia, it means more frequent and severe extreme weather events, especially bushfires.

The 2023 bushfire season was among the largest on record, and extreme fire weather has become both more frequent and more intense over the past three decades.

Future projections indicate that fire seasons will become longer, and the number of days with dangerous fire weather conditions will continue to increase.

Shifting rainfall, snow, and rising seas

Climate change is reshaping rainfall patterns across the continent. Since the 1970s, rainfall has decreased by 16% in southwest Australia and by 9% in southeastern regions since 1995.

At the same time, northern Australia has seen an increase in precipitation and streamflow. Extreme short bursts of rainfall are also becoming more intense, contributing to destructive flash floods.

Snowfall has been declining in alpine regions, characterised by reduced snow depth, fewer snow days, and shrinking snow cover, since the late 1950s.

Meanwhile, oceans surrounding Australia are warming, acidifying, and driving more frequent marine heatwaves. Sea levels are rising nationwide, raising the risk of inundation and threatening coastal communities and infrastructure.

What the future holds

Looking ahead, Australia can expect:

• Reduced snow depth in alpine regions.
• Higher average temperatures, with more heatwaves and fewer cold extremes.
• Continued decreases in cool-season rainfall across southern and eastern regions, worsening droughts.
• More short, intense downpours and flash floods.
• An increase in dangerous fire weather and longer fire seasons.
• Ongoing sea level rise and ocean acidification.
• Longer, more intense marine heatwaves threaten ecosystems.
• Fewer tropical cyclones, but those that form will likely be stronger.
• Reduced snow depth in alpine regions.

Australia’s climate adaptation strategies

To limit the costly and devastating effects of climate extremes, Australia must implement climate adaptation strategies. The Australian Adaptation Database offers a growing collection of over 700 adaptation initiatives, highlighting the country’s progress. The database not only catalogues projects but also enables knowledge sharing, supporting individuals, businesses, and councils in finding solutions.

Examples of climate adaptation projects

Some examples of initiatives include:

• Urban greening: Planting trees to cool cities, such as Adelaide, and rural towns, like Birchip, in Victoria.
• Coastal protection: Building artificial reefs to protect the coastline on the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong.
• Flood management: Changing land use on the Sunshine Coast and building levee banks to better manage flood risks in Roma, Queensland
• Safer settlements: Moving houses and businesses from hazardous locations such as Grantham in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, and land swaps in South Murwillumbah
• Agricultural shifts: Relocating wine grape production to more suitable climates, adopting regenerative agriculture, and investing in climate-smart technologies.
• Building resilience: Designing fireproof homes, improving building standards, and planning more climate-resilient property developments.
• Financial safeguards: Developing guidelines for the financial sector to better manage climate-related investment risks.

Knowledge sharing and community engagement

The database also highlights initiatives focused on education and preparedness. For example:

• Western Australia’s “Being Waterwise in the Home” campaign.
• Hobart’s “Sparking Conversations, Igniting Action” bushfire preparedness program.
• Workshops, training sessions, and simulation games that help communities plan.

These efforts demonstrate that Australia has established a robust policy and governance framework for climate adaptation. The challenge now lies in scaling implementation, directing funding to frontline actors—such as local governments and community organisations—and tracking measurable progress.