Climate change poses challenges for all sectors of the Australian economy but particularly for those sectors dependent on natural resources, like agriculture, forestry and fisheries.
Australia’s climate is changing and the impacts of climate change can be seen in the differences we are experiencing in rainfall, temperature and extreme weather events. Climate change will influence our actions, choices and decisions.
Adaptation and land management practices adopted by the land sector play an important role in building resilience and mitigating the physical impacts from climate change.
Climate change action also presents opportunities for the land sector. There are a number of financial opportunities for the sector that also provide environmental benefits while improving productivity and increasing resilience to a changing climate.
The global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change is also presenting market opportunities to the agricultural sector. As economies transition towards lower emissions, opportunities may emerge for agriculture industries that can demonstrate more emissions-efficient production systems, or even carbon neutrality.
Our role
We are responsible for Australia’s climate adaptation and science policies, and ensuring the interests of the agriculture sector are considered in climate policies. The department advances the sector’s capacity to deal with climate change and harness opportunities in emissions reduction.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) undertakes research projects on climate change to advance the sector’s resilience.
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources is responsible for the Australian Government’s emissions reduction strategies and policies.
In this section
Adaptation
We are working with the agricultural sector to understand the implications of a changing climate, and take practical action to address key risks. See the Adaptation and the agricultural sector section for more information.
Mitigation
There are financial opportunities for the agricultural sector to reduce emissions while increasing biodiversity, productivity and climate resilience. See the Emissions reduction and the agricultural sector section for more information.
Emissions Reduction Fund and Plantation Forestry Notifications
The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) provides opportunities for farmers to participate in emissions reduction projects and receive financial reward. The Minister responsible for Agriculture assesses whether a proposed new plantation forestry ERF project will have an undesirable impact on agricultural production in the region. See the Emissions Reduction Fund section for more information.
A coordinated national approach to Agriculture and Climate Change
Australia’s Agriculture Ministers committed to a coordinated national approach and proposed work program to support the agriculture sector adapt to climate change and manage emissions. See the Coordinated national approach section for more information.
Read more
- National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy
- Climate adaptation
- Climate change science
- Our climate services and tools
- Nature-based solutions for climate
- Our environment climate change initiatives
- Our oceans climate change initiatives
- Emissions reduction
- International climate adaptation
- Our publications and resources