August 7, 2025
Australia’s adaptation community showed up in force last week in Perth, with over 400 experts, practitioners, and policymakers gathering to push forward the national conversation on climate adaptation. The NESP Climate Systems Hub hosted what many called “the new NCCARF conference”, a nod to the legacy of adaptation leadership in Australia.
From the outset, it was clear that adaptation is no longer a fringe issue. The WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation stepped up as platinum sponsor, and Minister Don Punch delivered a sharp opening plenary. His message was clear: climate resilience isn’t the job of one portfolio, it’s a whole-of-government responsibility.
The final morning brought powerful reflections on Indigenous knowledge systems. Dr Meg Parsons shared insights from Māori adaptation in Aotearoa, while Dr Djarra Delaney challenged us to rethink adaptation through a decolonising lens. The Hon Josh Wilson, Assistant Minister for Climate Change, received the National First People’s Platform for Climate Change Statement, an important moment of recognition and commitment.
Watch the video of the Statement here> Watch the video from the Gathering that led to the Statement here>
Across the three days, we ran five concurrent streams and hundreds of speakers; the energy was palpable. You should have tried having a quiet conversation in the Exhibition Hall for the conference dinner, especially with the magician and the circus acts roving around.
Feedback from delegates has included words like ‘energising’ and ‘insightful’, but most importantly, the sense of progress since the last adaptation conference in Adelaide in 2023.
The Climate Systems Hub also showcased three key platforms designed to support decision-makers across sectors:
- AdaptLog: A searchable repository of climate adaptation interventions for biodiversity conservation, designed to spark innovation and transformative approaches.
- Australian Adaptation Database: A national stocktake of adaptation activities, helping policymakers track progress and identify gaps.
- Adapt Land&Sea: A curated guidance platform for land and sea managers, integrating tools, case studies, and resources to support practical decision-making.
These platforms reflect the diversity of adaptation needs and the importance of tailored tools for different sectors. The feedback gathered at the conference will help shape their next evolution.
We sincerely thank all of our sponsors, including:
- WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
- Australian Government Department of Climate, Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Australian Climate Service
- WA Department of Health
- Natural Hazards Research Australia.
And our exhibitors:
- 21st Century Weather ARC Centre of Excellence
- Disaster Wise
- WA Department of Transport
- Scientell
- Urban Intelligence
- WA Local Government Association.
And to our event management, who kept us all in line:
Special shout-out to the ineffable UTAS Associate Professor Sarah Boulter, who has become synonymous with adaptation conference organisation!
📸 Conference photo gallery
Revisit the highlights from Climate Adaptation 2025 in our official photo gallery.
Request free access to download your photos by emailing us at . Gallery available until 6 September 2025.