Australia: Climate change adaptation research grants announced
Joint media release - Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Australian Government has announced funding for priority adaptation research into preparing Australia for the unavoidable impacts of climate change.
The Government will invest $2 million into research addressing the impacts climate change poses to Australia’s primary industries. Up to $5 million will support research focusing on the social and economic implications of climate change on Australian communities.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, said scientists and researchers have an important role to play in assisting the community to prepare for climate change.
“The science is very clear that climate change is real. Robust research is critical to generate the information needed by decision-makers in government and in vulnerable sectors and communities to manage the risks of climate change impacts,” Mr Combet said.
To support this funding, two research plans have been prepared by the Australian Government's National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, to identify priority questions to meet adaptation knowledge and information needs.
The National Climate Change Adaptation: Primary Industries research plan addresses key areas for research to provide primary producers and industries with the information they’ll need to understand the relative advantages and risks of different types of adaptation.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the plan explores opportunities to address integrated adaptation planning and responses at the local and regional levels.
“This research will provide information to assist governments and other stakeholders to better understand how they can support primary industries in effectively adapting to climate change,” Minister Ludwig said.
The National Climate Change Adaptation: Social, Economic and Institutional Dimensions research plan will inform decision-making about adaptation by households, businesses, community groups and governments and allow for the implementation of sound climate change adaptation initiatives.
“Information about climate change and its potential impacts on people, places, industries, sectors – both today and in future generations - is critical to adaptation planning for all levels of government and the community,” Mr Combet said.
Application guidelines are available on from www.nccarf.edu.au or www.climatechange.gov.au.