About climate change

Page content: Overview

Overview

Expert scientific evidence confirms that human activity is altering the climate. In Victoria we are experiencing changed rainfall patterns, reduced water availability and increased frequency of severe weather events such as bushfires, storms and heatwaves or extremely high temperatures. Climate change is one of the greatest economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time.

The Victorian Government is aware of the enormity of the challenges ahead. The Victorian Government released the Environment Sustainability Action Statement in 2006. The Victorian Government committed $2.927m to commission research into the health impacts of climate change and adaptation to heatwave, a priority research area, and to host a national conference.

The Victorian Government is proceeding with its climate change strategy by formulating policy in the form of a Green Paper. Public submissions in response to the summit discussion paper – A Climate of Opportunity – will be considered in the drafting of the Green Paper.

Upon release of the Green Paper, a broad public consultation program will be conducted and a policy or White Paper finalised.

We need to adapt to cope with the impacts of climate change

Changing to respond to the impacts of climate change is known as 'adaptation'. As the government department responsible for planning, funding and delivering health community and housing services, the Department of Human Services is leading the way to empower communities to take appropriate action and influence adaptation.

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