Climate Adaptation Plan Australia in Response to Risk Report

Australia’s government released its first National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) on 15 September — a landmark report providing the most comprehensive analysis yet of how climate change could affect the nation’s health, infrastructure, economy, and environment.

The report warns that Australia will face more frequent and severe extreme weather events, including floods, bushfires, and cyclones. At the same time, rising sea levels could expose an additional 1.5 million people living in coastal areas by 2050. It also highlights that climate change will likely increase economic costs, reduce productivity, and exacerbate existing inequalities.

Responding with the national adaptation plan

In response to the NCRA’s findings, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) released the National Adaptation Plan—a policy framework outlining how the nation can prepare for and respond to the growing climate risks.

The plan outlines current and future actions across key sectors, with guiding principles to inform future efforts. It also details the significant investments made to date:

• $3.6 billion has been committed to adaptation and resilience measures since 2022, and
• Around $9 billion is projected to be spent on policies and programmes supporting broader adaptation efforts by 2030.
  

A national effort across key systems

The National Adaptation Plan identifies priorities and actions across seven key “systems”:

1. Economy, trade, and finance
2. Infrastructure and the built environment
3. The natural environment
4. Primary industries and food
5. Health and social support
6. Communities – urban, regional, and remote
7. Defence and national security
   

Notably, the plan includes a dedicated chapter on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, recognising that climate change poses disproportionate risks to their ways of life, food and water security, and economic livelihoods. This aligns with the NCRA’s inclusive approach and marks the beginning of deeper engagement with Indigenous communities on climate adaptation strategies.

Shared responsibility for climate adaptation

The DCCEEW defines climate adaptation as “the process of adjusting to actual or expected climate change and its effects”. The adaptation process involves four key steps:

1. Understand and assess
2. Prioritise and plan
3. Adapt and respond
4. Monitor change
   

According to the department, climate adaptation is a shared responsibility. Governments, industries, businesses, households, and community organisations all have vital roles in ensuring Australia adapts effectively to the changing climate and builds resilience for the decades ahead.

Access and read Australia’s National Adaptation Plan.