South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative

  1. Introduction
  2. Multi-sector study

Multi-sector study

Page 2 of 2

Wide ranging study

The research program features eight main research strands, with a fundamental focus on regional synthesis to ensure that the studies of various sectors are coordinated and complementary from the start.

By being specific to one region and combining the new knowledge emerging across interrelated fields, the research cluster aims to provide insights into complex adaptation options.

Climate change projections

CSIRO climate scientists are developing new climate change projections and scenarios for south-east Queensland (SEQ).

Developing new science to identify which of all of the international models fit south-east Queensland's conditions best, they will focus on extreme weather events in the region, such as extreme heat, coastal inundation and flood risk.

Adaptive capacity

The University of the Sunshine Coast will lead new research exploring the capacity of stakeholders in SEQ to adapt.

CSIRO climate scientists are developing new climate change projections and scenarios for south-east Queensland.

They will:

  • examine how socio-economic trends in the region will interact with the effects of climate change
  • run workshops to identify how different sectors view SEQ as a system and use this to identify key stakeholders
  • run workshops with key stakeholder groups to identify adaption bottlenecks and to suggest appropriate capacity building strategies.

Human settlements

Griffith University will use a case study approach to examine how urban planning and emergency preparedness and management can facilitate adaptation.

One case study site will examine an area of combined residential and commercial use that is exposed to storm surge, and explore what adaptations are likely to work.

One site will contain a major health facility and explore what planning is needed to ensure it is equipped for emergency responses in extreme weather.

The adaptation implications of urban expansion along the region's western corridor will also be a case study focus, addressing risks associated with heatwave and bushfire in peri-urban.

All case studies will assess adaptation options relating to planning and urban form, emergency management and public health.

CSIRO will contribute to the human settlements by developing spatial vulnerability maps for critical and urban infrastructure, and use these to explore adaptation options.

Agriculture

CSIRO will lead research exploring the impact of climate change on the SEQ agricultural industry.

They will:

  • develop models to project the productivity of future horticultural crops
  • engage with farmers to run trial crops based on modelling projections 
  • survey horticulturalists and beef producers to help understand attitudes to climate change adaptation.

Ecosystems and biodiversity

The University of Queensland will examine ways to support our ecosystems in a changing climate

They will:

  • conduct field research to examine how changing climate will affect rainforest diversity
  • conduct field research to understand the processes that maintain stable mangrove and salt marsh habitats with climate change and other stresses
  • use field results and participatory processes to develop conservation plans which mitigate the risk and uncertainties of climate change while maximizing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Energy

CSIRO will build models to project the electricity demands of the future, in particular focusing on managing peak demand and pricing.

They will engage with the energy industry to use modelled projections to develop adaptation strategies which integrate issues of urban planning and health.

Regional synthesis

CSIRO will lead the project's integration which will ensure that the adaptation strategies delivered by SEQCARI consider the trade-offs between various adaptation options.

They will run workshops to:

  • identify which adaptation strategies most critically require an integrative perspective
  • test adaptation options from one sector (e.g. energy) against the impacts and requirements of adaptation in other sectors
  • test integrated adaptation options with industry and government and communities stakeholders.

Read more about Adapting to Climate Change.