NCCARF developed a synthesis and communication program to condense and translate technical research information into digestible communication products for diverse audiences.
In order to shape the delivery of this program, we held workshops and one-on-one interviews with stakeholders. The consultation informed the mode of delivery and key challenges to address.
The practical adaptation guides are linked below:
1. Synthesis summaries
These short summaries (6-8 pages) provide a simple synthesis based in the first instance on the findings of research projects commissioned by NCCARF in its first phase (2008-2013). They are based on themes identified from research projects and stakeholder needs analysis (priority risk areas). You can read and download the summaries here:
| Download Synthesis summaries | |
 | Heatwaves |
| Floods |
| Cyclones and windstorms |
| Bushfire |
| Community vulnerability and resilience |
| Terrestrial Ecosystems |
| Marine biodiversity |
| Infrastructure |
2. Climate change adaptation briefing notes
These short one-page briefings are designed for decision makers in roles likely to require a basic knowledge of climate change and adaptation. They provide a brief introduction to the key issues, climate impacts and adaptation options relevant to the role. The following briefing notes are available:
| Download Briefing notes | |
| Community service organisations |
| Finance officers |
| Planners |
| Engineers |
| Local government executive |
| Elected representatives |
3. Policy Information Briefs and Policy Guidance Briefs
Policy information briefs and Policy guidance briefs focus on key climate change adaptation challenges and vulnerable locations in Australia. The briefs are aimed at policymakers in state and federal government. In each brief, we examine the features that characterise the challenges and their causes (both climatic and, in the broadest sense, environmental). The briefs explore the extent to which adaptive capacity exists, and what is needed for mobilisation. Adaptation options are considered and evaluated taking into account financial and welfare costs of the action and the avoided impacts. The following policy briefs are available:
4. Impact Sheets:
Climate change will have impacts across all sectors of Australia’s social, natural, built and economic environment.
These impacts may be predominantly negative in some sectors, but for others may present new opportunities. Adaptation is about preparing for negative impacts and finding actions we can take to reduce them, while looking out for new opportunities and transforming our business, farming, town planning and lifestyles to exploit these.
NCCARF developed ‘Living with Climate Change’, a series of information sheets detailing expected impacts for different sectors. Each sheet covers:
- Current sensitivity and vulnerability to climate
- Likely future climate trends
- Key climate change impacts and vulnerabilities
- Social and economic impacts and how these will interact with climate change
- Adaptation practices, options and barriers and the associated costs.
- Research priorities
The following impact sheets are available:
5. Adaptation Library
Between 2008 and 2018, NCCARF commissioned and undertook widespread in-depth research into all aspects of climate change adaptation for Australia. This resulted in an extensive library of adaptation resources, including research reports, research summaries and syntheses, and policy guidance briefs to help support decision makers throughout Australia as they prepare for and manage the risks of climate change and sea-level rise.
A comprehensive list of these publications can be accessed on the NCCARF Publications page.