#Climate adaptation

Radical changes to our environment with climate change means we need to map adaptation pathways now that consider options and prepare us for future decisions.

Planning for climate adaptation means looking at possible solutions to people’s needs rather than focussing on the likely problems.

We need to identify Pacific hotspots where climate change will exacerbate other stresses and act to support these places before a crisis happens.

Editorial: Understanding and managing the emergent risks of climate change requires a new focus for mitigation and adaptation responses.

Today’s energy systems will not be sufficient in 2050, and remote Australian communities are likely to bear the brunt. Scenarios workshops held in Alice Springs are helping design energy solutions for the future.

When talking about solutions to help mitigate and adapt to climate change, we shouldn't forget that intact ecosystems offer some of the best prospects.

This year has been an extraordinary year for setting goals and targets for humankind. These goals open up opportunities for innovation and business development to benefit Australia and its private sector in the near term, and contribute fundamentally to the longer term futures of our children and grandchildren.

The uncertainties related to climate science present some unique challenges for policymakers and researchers alike. How can climate adaptation researchers proactively support decision-makers? And could a similar ethics system to the one used by frontline medical professionals be implemented by climate scientists to enhance decision-making?

The Torres Strait region faces potential pressures such as climate change, population growth, biosecurity and pollution risks, and the loss of traditional culture. Community members, leaders, government and scientists came together to find out how they could adapt to these pressures in a way that’s sustainable and equitable, and to identify what makes a community resilient.