South Australia leading the way on climate action
South Australia’s first-of-its-kind statewide assessment on climate change shows how the state’s continued leadership on climate action can reduce risks and unlock economic growth.
The independent 2024 Statewide Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment – prepared by Deloitte – takes a whole-of-state view of climate risks and opportunities across nature, infrastructure, the economy and communities, looking ahead to 2030, 2050 and 2090 under different global emissions scenarios.
The Assessment is the first to consolidate our current understanding of SA’s climate-change impacts, risks, and opportunities to enable informed climate change mitigation and adaptation action by governments, business, individuals, and research organisations.
While the assessment confirms climate risks are increasing including impacts on coastlines, biodiversity, transport networks, agriculture, insurance affordability, health and emergency services, it also shows South Australia is well positioned to address 11 risks that require greater action within the next five years to turn climate action into advantage for the state.
The report also points to wider benefits of climate action, including healthier ecosystems, improved air and water quality, stronger regional economies and better jobs and skills for the future. It recognises the critical role of First Nations knowledge and leadership in delivering effective, nature-based climate solutions.
Developed with input from more than 100 organisations across government, industry, research and community sectors, the assessment provides a practical baseline to guide action over the next five years.
Chair of the Premier's Climate Change Council, Martin Haese, said: "This first statewide climate change assessment will help catalyse action to tackle the challenges we face under a changing climate. While there is much we are already doing, there is much more we will need to do.
"The Assessment is not just about addressing climate risks – it also helps us recognise and seize opportunities for economic growth and creating a more sustainable future together.
"It is an important resource for governments, business, research and community organisations to better understand, manage, and adapt to, climate risks and opportunities."
The findings highlight the importance of the state's first ever Biodiversity Act – which passed through Parliament after this assessment – to build climate change resilience, amid predictions of more frequent droughts, floods, heatwaves and bushfires.
As South Australia’s first statewide climate risk assessment, it provides a baseline for future assessments that will be reviewed every five years – a legislative requirement that was enshrined in the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 under amendments passed by the South Australian government in March 2025.
The assessment will be shared with businesses, communities and research organisations and help inform the Government’s adaptation planning and next steps.
For more information and to read the reports, visit: environment.sa.gov.au/topics/climate-change.
