There’s a heap of reasons people aren’t adapting to climate change. But the main barriers relate to local action being limited by a lack of clear policy at higher levels of government. Working collectively in a coordinated way would be a good start to overcoming these barriers.

Professor Jon Barnett, from the University of Melbourne, says the concept of ‘barriers to adaptation’ often explains the difference between awareness of the need to adapt, and the lack of adaptation actions.

While there are personal and cultural barriers to action, often the main impediments for a community are due to issues of government and governance. Most important is that state governments determine the roles and responsibilities of local governments within their jurisdiction.

‘Local government actions are constrained by policies of state governments,’ explains Jon. ‘Local governments may consult with the community and plan for the future, but they are reluctant to do so unless the outcomes will be supported by state governments and when government changes.’

As part of an NCCARF project, Jon and colleagues asked coastal communities who should be responsible for adaptation. ‘Almost everyone believed adaptation is necessary, and expect local government to lead communities, set rules and regulate behaviour on the coast,’ he says. ‘The idea that people don’t want regulation is incorrect. There is a strong mandate for action.’

Local governments are often looking for the state to set a clear policy direction. ‘Some states are more progressive than others, some are committed but ephemeral,’ says Jon. ‘So across Australia we need a concerted, systematic and standardised effort from state governments, to invest in adaptation, with more staff, more raising awareness of past and future coastal changes, and close and strategic working relationships with local governments.’

What are the main barriers to adaptation in your community? What would help you to overcome some of these barriers?

More info: https://www.nccarf.edu.au/publications/barriers-adaptation-sea-level-rise