MCF Seminar Series: How are Australians Adapting to Climate Change?

Most Australians in the last decade have been touched by a climate disaster and are concerned about their, and the next generations’ future in a warmer world. They want to know if the government and other actors are taking action to build a better adapted Australia. The National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Climate Systems Hub has created the first national database of evidence that quantifies Australia’s progress on adapting to climate change, with over 700 examples of adaptation activities across Australia. 

In this seminar, Tia Brullo and Jon Barnett argue that the Australian Adaptation Database shows a positive story that the Australian Government, all state and territory and many local governments are doing something about the challenge of adaptation, with many foundational policies and significant investment in knowledge building. It also demonstrates, however, that more investment is needed to keep people safe in the future, with greater on-ground action.  

This research, presented by Tia and Jon, is part of the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Climate Systems Hub.   

You can also join us online with this link: https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/81948862682?pwd=iXFcqw7edoPeUdb7zJQ3a30d6JaIFi.1

About Tia Brullo:

Tia Brullo is a human geographer with research interests in climate change adaptation, and monitoring and evaluation. She is currently a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, working with the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Climate Systems Hub. Tia’s research takes a pragmatic approach to understanding climate change adaptation in Australia, working with government stakeholders and adaptation practitioners to understand how to enable adaptation action. Tia has also conducted research analysing the distribution and inequality of urban greening in greater Melbourne. In previous roles Tia has worked in non-profit program evaluation and in international disaster response with the Australian Red Cross. 

About Jon Barnett:

Jon Barnett is Professor in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Melbourne University. He is a political geographer whose research investigates social impacts and responses to environmental change. Jon has over twenty-five years of experience conducting field-based research on social vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in Australia, China, Timor-Leste and Pacific Island Countries. Jon’s research is now strongly focussed on enabling responses to environmental change that promote social justice and peace. Jon co-directs the Oceania Institute at The University of Melbourne and is the panel member for climate change adaptation on the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) to the Global Environment Facility (GEF). He previously served for six years as editor of Global Environmental Change and was a Lead Author for the chapter on Human Security in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report.