Tuesday, February 11, 2025
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Surviving in a Warmer World: Australia’s Mammoth Multi-Tasking Challenge

“Living Hot: The Urgent Need for Climate Adaptation in Australia”

Australia is facing a critical juncture in its approach to climate change, with a recent book titled “Living Hot: Surviving and Thriving on a Heating Planet” by authors Clive Hamilton and George Wilkenfeld advocating for a shift towards adaptation alongside continued emissions reduction efforts. The authors argue that while emissions reduction is crucial, building resilience to the effects of climate change through adaptation is equally important.

The urgency of this dual approach is underscored by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Australia, driven by climate change. The country is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of a warming world, making it imperative to focus on both mitigation and adaptation strategies.

On a global scale, the world is on track to warm by almost 3°C unless current national pledges to reduce emissions are significantly ramped up. The Asia-Pacific region, where Australia is located, is already experiencing more intense extreme weather events due to climate change. Countries in the region are beginning to prioritize adaptation measures to cope with the “new normal.”

One example of proactive adaptation is Indonesia’s decision to move its sinking capital city, Jakarta, to a new city called Nusantara. Malaysia is also exploring innovative ways to educate citizens and adapt buildings to the challenges of global warming.

In Australia, the importance of balancing mitigation and adaptation is evident in efforts to conserve ocean ecosystems, such as mangroves, which provide both climate resilience and carbon storage benefits. The Land Use Trade-offs model developed by Climateworks and Deakin University highlights the potential for land use decisions to contribute to both climate targets and biodiversity goals.

Technological advancements offer hope for reducing emissions in Australia’s heavy industry sector, with the potential for significant emissions reductions in industrial regions through timely action. Renewable technologies, such as solar, batteries, and electric vehicles, have exceeded expectations and offer opportunities for decarbonization.

Regional cooperation is crucial in the fight against climate change, with Australia being urged to collaborate with its Indo-Pacific neighbors to address emissions growth in the region. The bid to host COP31 in 2026 presents a unique opportunity for Australia to champion ambitious climate action and cooperation in the region.

Ultimately, Australia has the potential to lead the way in both emissions reduction and adaptation to climate change. By embracing a comprehensive approach that combines aggressive emissions reduction efforts with proactive adaptation measures, Australia can secure a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

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