August 9, 2023
At the end of 2023, the Global Stocktake promises to show for the first time where the world stands on adaptation progress. At the same time, Australia will have completed the first stage of its two-year national climate risk assessment. The ambition is to have a high-level understanding of national priorities for climate adaptation action.
At Australia’s first national climate change adaptation conference since 2018, two weeks ago there was a sense of optimism and renewal. Much had changed in the intervening years. Perhaps adaptation might be shifting from planning to implementation. Certainly, at a global level, investment in the Green Climate Fund and commitments flowing from the Paris Agreement have meant strong global growth in adaptation projects.
We have not yet done the analysis of abstracts, but only a quarter of delegates at CA2023 represented research organisations. The overwhelming majority represented all levels of government, consulting, and industry. The conference represented the diversity of practitioners working in this space.
The adaptation pendulum has swung firmly from an academic exercise to one of practice. Does this mean that despite the sense we struggle to move past the planning stage, there is a move towards implementation of adaptation actions? Or does the limited funding for adaptation research and development mean researchers must follow better funded disciplines?
Certainly, CA2023 showed there is a clear appetite for more help to ensure Australia and its neighbours can successfully adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
Associate Professor Sarah Boulter
Climate Adaptation Initiative Lead
Climate Systems Hub
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