In partnership with ElectraNet and Uniting Communities, the Committee for Adelaide hosted a powerful SA ZERO event on Climate Change: Risks, Opportunities, and Adaptation.
Dr Mark Lawrence, Professor of Practice at the University of Adelaide, delivered a confronting yet inspiring overview of the climate risks facing South Australia and the world—echoing the findings of the National Climate Risk Assessment. His message was clear: the challenges are immense, but every one of us has a role to play in driving change.
He was joined by Professor Göran Roos and Professor Ross Garnaut AC for a panel discussion that explored:
- While the challenge is immense, collaboration and innovation can drive change
- A Comprehensive climate risk assessment and management framework and capability is needed in South Australia, properly resourced as the highest priority.
- Increase focus on adaptation, while continuing on the net zero journey – mitigation efforts should continue but future impacts and risks must be addressed urgently through adaptation including building leading edge capability for climate adaptation as a source of distinction and competitive advantage for SA.
- Develop a strategy to build climate resilience in key segments of the South Australian economy including conducting detailed climate risk analysis to assess and mitigate the highest risks within priority segments, complete ethe state climate risk assessment underway and disseminate the results widely and consider appointing a Chief State Climate Risk Office to coordinate all aspects of climate risk adaptation, preparedness and response across government industry and community.
- South Australia has the potential to lead in new industries and resources including green iron and sustainable harvested biomass, but incentives, leadership and government intervention is needed to support change to take place.
- A combination of investment, time, policy, leadership, courage and bipartisan commitment beyond election cycles is required to effect change.
- Industry has a role to play in assessing and understanding climate risk; individuals can also play a role including by pressuring super funds to invest wisely.
- There’s an opportunity to develop a “South Australian narrative” about the challenges and opportunities of climate change – we have an opportunity to lead in this space and effect change world-wide.
A huge thank you to Alicia Genet, Deputy Chair of Committee for Adelaide and General Counsel at Fleet Space Technologies, for moderating such a thought-provoking discussion.
This conversation left us both sobered by the scale of the challenge and energised about the opportunities ahead. Together, we can shape South Australia’s response to climate change and position our state as a global leader in adaptation and innovation.
Thank you also to our Annual Partners, Adelaide University and BHP, for their ongoing support of these important conversations. We also extend our thanks to our wine partner, Hentley Farm, for their continued support at our events.
Click here for more about SA ZERO.
