Why do we need it?
Our climate is changing as a result of increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Further changes are likely, regardless of national and international efforts to reduce emissions. Projected climate change impacts, such as sea level rise, more severe and frequent heatwaves and storms, and more extensive droughts will affect natural systems and human activities and wellbeing.
Concerted efforts to reduce the rate of increase of greenhouse gas emissions remain a high priority, but it is also important that we start to plan and prepare for the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
Recognising the urgency of the adaptation challenge and the wide range of information needs to meet this challenge, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) endorsed a National Climate Change Adaptation Framework in April 2007. The Framework identified a need for the establishment of a facility to coordinate Australia’s research resources to deliver information to support climate change decision-makers.