Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

Water is the primary medium through which climate change influences Earth’s ecosystem and thus the livelihood and well-being of societies (UN-Water, 2010).

Global warming is likely to intensify, accelerate or enhance the global hydrological cycle. Forecasts predict that extreme weather events such as heavy rain and drought will increase in the future; dry regions will become increasingly dry, and the wet areas will become even more humid (IPCC, 2013).

Applying water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and practices is an effective approach for both mitigation and adaptation actions.

Examples of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and complementary approaches 
(DWER, 2020)
Examples of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and complementary approaches (DWER, 2020)

Water sensitive communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change

  • Vegetation and water in the landscape mitigates urban heat, including in heatwave conditions
  • Natural systems and multi-purpose spaces cope with “flashier” (higher intensity) rainfall events
  • Pervious areas allow recharge of groundwater systems for environmental needs and sustainable use
  • Contain places for urban biodiversity and connecting the community with nature
  • Support community prepareness for floods, wildfires and heatwaves.

Our focus areas

Supporting community wellbeing and healthy environments within resilient and sustainable places throughout Western Australia.

Our Partners