Climate change adaptation is action by households, firms, other organisations and governments to respond to the impacts of climate change that cannot be avoided through climate change mitigation efforts. An effective national adaptation response will require all levels of government, the private sector and intermediary markets to contribute to that response.

This inquiry will assist COAG to advance climate change adaptation reforms in Australia by examining the policy frameworks required to facilitate effective adaptation, and the costs and benefits of various adaptation options so as to identify the highest priority reforms. In undertaking this review the Commission will also assess the effectiveness and efficiency of market based approaches in facilitating adaptation.