Adapting to climate change

Adapting to climate change

Despite global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, impacts from climate change are inevitable. Adapting to climate change involves planning and action by individuals, communities and businesses to cope with the effects of a changing climate.

Why do we need to adapt to climate change?

Projections for South Australia indicate warmer and drier conditions and rising sea levels across much of the state with an increased risk of severe weather events including storms, flooding, heatwaves, drought and bushfires.

These changes will affect our individual health and wellbeing, along with the key industries and resources that underpin the state's economy.

Building resilience and adapting

Climate resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of a changing climate. Climate change adaptation is the process of adjusting to the effects of climate change.

The South Australian Government Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation Actions outlines a range of actions that support South Australian communities, industries, businesses and the environment to build resilience and adapt to climate change.

In addition to the actions outlined, government agencies also deliver other policies and initiatives that directly or indirectly support climate change adaptation. Some examples include Stronger Together - South Australia's Disaster Resilience Strategy, Healthy Parks, Healthy People SA, coastal adaptation, extreme heat and heatwave management, and bushfire risk and recovery actions.

At a regional level, locally based adaptation plans and initiatives are in place to support communities, business and individuals adapt to, and mitigate the economic, social and environmental impacts of climate change.

Find out more about Regional Climate Partnerships and key plans, projects and achievements.