Adaptation and Maladaptation in Australian National Climate Change Policy

Abstract

This paper examines Australia's national policies for adapting to climate change impacts. Recent developments in research funding, institutional capacities and extreme events have resulted in a greater interest and level of activity in adaptation policy. Based on a historical review of national policy, adaptation policy is considered within a political frame and political values, especially the values of neoliberalism, within adaptation policy are identified. Of interest are the implications of these values for the outcomes of adaptation policy, with attention given to the problem of maladaptation.

Keywords:

• Climate change
• maladaptation
• Australia
• policy
• neoliberalism

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the anonymous referees for their insightful comments and advice.

Notes

1 Current federal funding for NCCARF ends on 30 June 2013.