The roadmap’s purpose is to outline strategic priorities that reduce our health system emissions to 2030. However, an equally important part of our transition involves building health system resilience and enhancing our capacity to support health as we face a changing climate.
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø has already warmed 1.4-1.6°C since the pre- industrial period, which is 1.4 times faster than the global average. This means we are living with climate change now.13
Without major action to adapt, conservative estimates from ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Treasury modelling for the 2021–22 ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Intergenerational Report found that even under a lower warming scenario of 2°C, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is likely to experience significant climate change risks into the future.13
Ambitious and transformative adaptation is critical in the next decade to build resilience, minimise harm from climate change and maximise opportunity.13
The Australian Government’s National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy 2021–2025 highlights the important role of state and territory governments in adaptation, for instance through land- use planning, infrastructure, service delivery, health, emergency services, transport and environmental protection.31,32
The National First Pass Climate Risk Assessment and the National Adaptation Plan consider the effects of climate change on health, wellbeing, and health and social systems at a national level, including identifying health and social system hazards such as bushfires, drought, extreme heat, riverine and flash flooding and tropical cyclones.31-34
Whilst climate events will affect everyone, some population groups and communities are significantly more at risk of negative health effects associated with climate change; often it is also the same groups who have the least capacity to adapt.
The unique perspectives of these population groups and communities should be taken into account in assessing vulnerability, preparing for and responding to emergencies, increasing climate resilience and developing adaptation plans.13 Responses to climate change need to take account of disparities in health outcomes through strengths-based approaches.
Together, we can reduce these vulnerabilities, enhancing the resilience and wellbeing of our communities.34
The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Government's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy acknowledges the importance of early and effective adaptation for reducing/addressing the risks, costs and impacts of climate change.13,31 The Strategy provides a framework that will strengthen and expand action to adapt to climate change now and over the long term, setting out key decision-making principles and objectives for adaptation, key priorities and a suite of actions.
In accordance with the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Government’s Climate Risk Ready program, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Health is embedding climate change adaptation within decision making, in line with Priority 4 of the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Government entities will begin disclosing climate-related risks and opportunities alongside their annual reports. Disclosures are being implemented in three phases, beginning with the 2024-25 financial year, in line with annual reporting obligations. These disclosures will provide- transparency and help drive climate action.33
