The Australian Government provides national climate science information to help Australians understand the potential impacts from a changing climate.
Australia’s climate is unique. Climate science builds understanding of how the climate is changing, including the scale and pace of change, what climate Australians in different regions can expect in the coming decades, and approaches for effective decision-making and adaptation.
Climate change is supported by extensive research and long-term information. Delivering world-class climate science informs successful adaptation and resilience actions.
Australia has a long history as a leading contributor to Southern Hemisphere and Southern Ocean climate science. The Australian Government investments in climate science include long-term support to our national institutions and programs such as the National Environmental Science Program, Bureau of Meteorology Research and Climate Services Programs and the Australian Antarctic Science Program, and initial investments in world-leading initiatives including the Australian Climate Service and related initiatives, including the CSIRO Climate Resilient Enterprise. There are also significant climate science contributions from our university sector, and significant service and climate risk advice capabilities within state and territory governments and the private sector.
The department is responsible for climate science coordination. By working together, governments and researchers can support improved understanding and assessment of climate risk, advances in climate science and provide information tailored to support climate action in Australian circumstances.
Climate services and tools
The tools and services that help Australians limit the impact of climate change
Key national investments
Australian Climate Service (ACS)
The Australian Climate Service is supporting a more resilient nation in the face of climate and natural hazards.
Bureau of Meteorology
The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia’s national weather, climate and water agency.
CSIRO
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) delivers the climate knowledge Australia needs to respond to a variable and changing climate.
The National Environmental Science Program
Australia’s National Environmental Science Program supports environment and climate research including a Climate Systems Hub and a cross-cutting adaptation mission.
Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS)
The world-class Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS) enables scientists to undertake foundational climate research and modelling.
Australian Antarctic Science Program
The Australian Antarctic Science Program supports critical research to understand Australia’s weather and climate.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a globally trusted source of scientific advice. The Australian Government is an active participant in IPCC processes and Australian experts have made significant contributions to the science underpinning a range of IPCC reports including the IPCC 6th Assessment. The department works closely with the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources in relation to the climate science and adaptation aspects of the IPCC work program.
Read more
- Australia’s climate change strategies
- Climate adaptation
- Climate services and tools
- International adaptation
- Adapting Australia's unique environment to climate change
- Nature-based solutions for climate
- Ocean Sustainability and Climate Change
- Climate change and the agricultural sector
- Adapting to climate change publications and resources