Community Climate Panel members

The South Australian Government has partnered with the Conservation Council of SA and South Australians for Climate Action to involve the community in conversations about how we work together to develop a net zero future.

An independently selected Community Climate Panel was formed in May, with members meeting several times to help identify opportunities and priorities for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The panel is also helping to develop a Conversation Guide that will support the South Australian community to have their say in the state’s net zero emissions future.

Between July and October 2023, individuals and groups in South Australia are encouraged to host or participate in a Community Climate Conversation and submit their feedback to the state government.

Community Climate Conversations could be held between family and friends, colleagues, school groups, sporting clubs or any other community group.

All feedback gathered will help inform how government, industry and community work together to achieve a net zero emissions future for South Australia.

Register your interest in participating in a Community Climate Conversation by visiting www.democracyco.com.au.

The National Environmental Science Program Climate Systems Hub is holding Climate Adaptation 2023, the seventh national climate adaptation conference, in Adelaide.

Climate Adaptation 2023 will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 25th – 27th July 2023. A pre-conference day for early career professionals will be held on the 24th.

Climate Adaptation 2023 is Australia’s preeminent event focused exclusively on climate vulnerability, impacts and adaptation. It’s an opportunity to share knowledge and experience, to network and strengthen the growing community of adaptation practice and research in Australia.

The conference will bring together practitioners and researchers from across Australia to discuss research findings, planning processes and on-ground actions around climate change adaptation.

An end of financial year discount on conference registration ends soon, use the code CA23EOFY at the checkout when registering to access the discount.

Register for the conference here.

Jon Dee speaking at the Industry Climate Change Conference

South Australia’s inaugural Industry Climate Change Conference was held in Adelaide on 20 and 21 April 2023, bringing business, industry and government together to collaborate and plan towards a net-zero future.

The event was a huge success, with over 850 delegates in attendance over the two-day conference.

To help build on the learnings from the conference, a new resources kit has been developed to support businesses and industry to manage climate risks, reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

You can view the resources kit, as well as a conference summary document and recordings from the main sessions of the conference on the Department for Environment and Water’s website.

Small to medium South Australian businesses can now access practical support to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through the launch of a new Net Zero Program.

The program can help metropolitan and regional businesses to learn how to run a sustainable business, save money and capitalise on the opportunities of a net zero economy.

The Net Zero Program, which has been successfully piloted, is being delivered by Business SA and supported with a grant from the South Australian Government.

The first cohort of participants commenced in early June, with other intakes commencing in July, August and September.

Find out more or enrol in the program on Business SA's website.

(Image via Department for Trade and Investment)

The South Australian Government is introducing building requirements for new homes that will boost energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

From October 2024, the majority of new homes will need to achieve a 7-star energy efficiency rating, up from 6 stars, improving comfort during extreme weather and reducing peak electricity consumption.

This will not only contribute to meeting national and state targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but help stabilise the state’s energy network.

Higher energy efficiency standards for newly constructed homes will also reduce energy use and lower power bills for homeowners and rental tenants.

Read more on the Plan SA website.

A new Climate Ready Regions program will aim to help South Australia be better prepared to face the impacts of climate change.

Almost $1 million has been allocated by the Australian and South Australian Governments to help develop a business case for the program, which will also explore the expansion the Regional Climate Partnerships network.

The funding will also support better coordination between the existing network of Regional Climate Partnerships in delivering practical action to strengthen the climate resilience of their local communities.

The Climate Ready Regions Program received a $481,724 grant through the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund, with an additional $384,000 contribution from the South Australian Government and $102,000 from the Local Government Association.

For further information about the Regional Climate Partnerships, visit the Department for Environment and Water’s website.

For more information about climate change action in South Australia visit the Department for Environment and Water's website.