Learning from regional climate analogues
This project explores the potential of
learning from experience for
selected Australian target cities by the
study of analogue settlements which are currently experiencing climate
conditions similar to those predicted for the target cities. It focuses
on developing relationships between paired climate target - climate
analogue locations for sharing experiences and knowledge, leading to the
development of a wider national network. Part I will focus on assessing
differences in natural and built systems and relate these to
institutional policies, plans and processes for the paired locations. A
key aim is to assess, through the application of a robust methodology of
analysis, which differences are a function of climate. Part II will
highlight the inter-relationships and involve not only institutional
stakeholders within particular target cities working together, but also
target-analogue relationships, target-target, analogue-analogue, and all
the target-analogue cities sharing knowledge and experiences within a
network.
The specific objectives are:
- To identify a series of target urban locations subject to climate change, with matching locations that represent reasonable analogues for the future climate and its impacts within target locations, having regard to temperature, rainfall, extreme weather events etc, and to identify other characteristics of target-analogue locations (e.g. built/natural systems, demographics).
- To identify policies, plans and processes within the target urban locations that are climate related and address current and future impacts of climate change, and to document how analogue locations are currently adapting to climate change through their policies, plans and processes, with actual examples of their past and present experiences.
- To develop a methodology, including evidence-based case studies, that will clarify to what extent aspects of the above policies, plans, processes and characteristics are climate driven and which are subject to other influences.
- To compare the current and projected future policies and approaches of the target locations with the analogues, so that any differences and gaps may be identified.
- To depict the extent of adaptation required by the target locations and any necessary changes to policies, plans, processes and standards, with a focus on the areas of land use planning, infrastructure, housing, health and ecosystem services.
- To present the findings in a form that may be easily understood and used by decision-makers, not only within the target and analogue locations, but also more widely.
The formation of relationships and partnerships between target-analogue cities and stakeholders is expected to be of mutual (and longer-term) benefit.
By comparing government policy and institutional practice in present-day urban centres with their future analogues, it should be possible to identify differences which exist in response to differences in climate. By identifying these differences, it should be possible to define how decision-making, policy and management practices should change in order to adapt, where 'adapt' in this context means creating/maintaining high quality of life under a changed climate.
This project is funded by the National Climate Change Adaption Research Facility (NCCARF) for one year (2010-2011)
For further information, please contact Jon Kellet or David Ness