Adapting to a changing climate

Climate risk

• Tasmania's  first climate change risk assessment

Climate research grants program

The Climate Research Grants Program funded climate research projects that help us better understand Tasmania’s future climate, so we can prepare our businesses and communities.

Bushfire

• Bushfire and Climate Change Research Project

Coastal

• Tasmanian Coastal Adaptation Pathways

Industry

• Reducing the carbon footprint of Tasmanian dairying
• Enterprise suitability mapping and climate projections
• Fert$mart
• Resources for businesses to prepare for natural disasters

Understanding the potential health impacts of climate change is important so we can build community resilience. Some of the risks to our health from a changing climate include increased frequency and severity of natural disasters such as bushfires or floods; increased air pollution and pollen; and mental health challenges from displacement and migration.

Learn more about climate change and health from the Department of Health website.

Business and industry

• Projected changes to Tasmania’s climate will impact our businesses and industries in a variety of ways and it is important to prepare for these impacts.
• As the world transitions to a low carbon economy and more sustainable business practices, there is an opportunity for Tasmanian businesses and industries to capitalise on our State’s advantages, such as our renewable energy and world-class climate science.
• Some of our key growth sectors, such as tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture, are also vulnerable to the projected impacts of a changing climate. These sectors need tailored information to minimise climate risks and make informed decisions.
• In comparison to other parts of Australia, Tasmania’s temperate climate may also provide some comparative economic advantage for some industries and opportunities for new industries.

Community

• Climate change will affect the health of Tasmanians. The greatest threats are expected to come from extreme weather events (such as heatwaves), rising temperatures and the changing variability of rainfall.
• Building community resilience to population health risks is important in a changing climate.
• This includes protection of vulnerable members of the community. Contributing factors to vulnerability include poor health, age, limited mobility, access to transport and dependence on others for care. Some communities may also be vulnerable due to physical location, for example near the coast, or in flood or bushfire-prone areas.
• The projected impacts of climate change may also change the way our workplaces and business systems operate as we adapt to a changing environment. It is important for Tasmania to continue investing in skills to support workforce development across industry sectors and regional communities. This will enable us to maximise our economic advantage and prepare for a changing climate.

Governments

• State and local governments play a key role to ensure Tasmanian communities are able to adapt to climate change.
• Key considerations for governments include: development and infrastructure; land use planning; water resources management; emergency management; and community services.