While the National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) has confirmed the climate risks we face now and in the future, Victorian communities are already working on local climate adaptation solutions. It’s the money to make these happen that is missing!
The National Adaptation Plan has also been released, but it has been described as more of a guiding framework than an actual plan, again showing that we need to push for more action on climate adaptation and for the solutions we want.
We know the risks. Communities know the solutions they need. It’s the money to make these happen that is missing!
The long-awaited National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) is out and confirms the climate risks we face now and in the future, as well as their cascading, compounding, and concurrent nature. It outlines 10 hazards across 3 time horizons (now, 2050, 2090) and 3 global warming levels (1.5°C, 2°C, 3°C) for 11 geographic regions, covering all of Australia.
While the NCRA confirms these climate risks, Victorian communities are already experiencing them and already working on local climate adaptation solutions. It’s the money to make these happen that is missing!
This is clear through the response to and the recommendations from the Climate Resilience Inquiry and the number of initiatives already on our Australia Climate Adaptation Map. Our report on the Inquiry clearly outlines these solutions called for by individuals, organisations, business and councils.
Immediately Available Solutions to Reduce Risks
The solutions called for and available for immediate implementation include:
- first and foremost, adequate and ongoing climate adaptation funding - from both state and federal governments,
- improving the state’s Adaptation Action Plans,
- retrofitting to make buildings and infrastructure climate ready,
- supporting community‑led initiatives,
- supporting First Nations fire management practices,
- updating building codes and standards to reflect climate‑resilient design, and
- no new coal or gas - we can still avoid the worst scenario by rapidly cutting climate pollution!
This is why we’re calling for a Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund. A VCCAF would enable community- and Indigenous-led climate adaptation initiatives that keep everyone safe.
Climate Adaptation Fund Would Significantly Strengthen State's Climate Resilience
According to the NCRA, spending on disaster recovery will need to increase fivefold. Climate impacts and disasters are already costing the Victorian Government billions and escalating social problems. Funding climate preparedness now will save lives, reduce recovery costs, reduce the cost of living, and ease pressure on our health system and economy from climate impacts.
The Inquiry into Climate Resilience found that “funding shortfalls represent a critical barrier to implementing climate resilience initiatives” and that “non‑recurrent funding for resilience projects restricts long‑term capacity building and strategic outcomes”.
Act on Climate’s permanent Victorian Community Climate Adaptation Fund (VCCAF) is mentioned specifically in the Climate Resilience Inquiry Parliamentary Report as a key funding mechanism proposed by stakeholders. It notes: “As clearly articulated by stakeholders to the Inquiry, the establishment of a Climate Adaptation Fund can significantly strengthen Victoria’s climate resilience.” It adds that it “can address gaps in existing funding frameworks, reduce the economic and social costs of climate impacts, and build long‑term resilience across the state”.
Show your support for a VCCAF by sending our pre-filled email to your MP
The Victorian Government has the chance to show it is taking climate impacts seriously and will do all it can to keep Victorians safe by allocating funding specifically for climate adaptation in the 2026-27 budget. This funding needs to be adequate, ongoing and for community-led initiatives. Act on Climate’s VCCAF policy would ensure all of these.
It is crucial for our communities’ safety that the Victorian Government acts on the recommendations of the resilience inquiry and funds community-led climate adaptation.
Local Climate Risks on Display
One solution called for in the Climate Resilience Inquiry that the NCRA provides is clear and consistent data on climate impacts and risk. It includes LGA based data on the impacts our communities can expect in 1.5, 2, and 3 degrees of warming scenarios. You can see how your community will be impacted here.
Share your local risks with your MP and ask them to support an increase in adaptation funding to keep you and your neighbours safe.
Clear Need to Keep Pushing for More Action on Climate Adaptation
The National Adaptation Plan has also been released, but it has been described as more of a guiding framework than an actual plan, again showing that we need to push for more action on climate adaptation and for the solutions we want.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
Please be kind to yourself at this time and be cognisant of the impact of this on your mental health and wellbeing. Even though many of us have been aware of and calling this out for years, the NCRA outcomes are confronting to see and read.
If you need support, please visit the Climate Feelings Space, use Ecomind’s How are you feeling? tool, or attend an upcoming Climate Cafe.
Act on Climate acknowledge that we work on the stolen lands of the Wurundjeri people. Sovereignty was never ceded, and fighting for First Nations justice must always be a core part of climate justice work.