Effectiveness of climate change management

Climate (2016, 2011)

Effectiveness of climate change management

Greenhouse gases and climate change

Understanding: Good understanding of broad processes and improving confidence in modelling projections at both the national and regional scales. National greenhouse emissions reporting system is improved

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Greenhouse gases and climate change

20162011

Climate

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Qualitative assessment based on expert opinion.

Data/Information sources

Australian Climate Change Science Program (http://www.cawcr.gov.au/projects/climatechange/)

Peer-reviewed literature and publicly available reports referenced in the 'Effectiveness of management' section, and the following reference:

IPCC, 2013

IPCC 2013. Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, Cambridge University Press.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

Understanding and research

Understanding: Good understanding of broad processes and improving confidence in modelling projections at both national and regional scales. Extensive support for policy and priority setting at national level through initial Garnaut Climate Change Review (2008) and subsequent review update (2011) and through an improved national greenhouse emissions reporting system

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Understanding and research

Planning: More ambitious target (26–28% below 2005 levels by 2030) set after the Paris Agreement

Significant changes in strategies and planning during this period, with establishment of several policy tools in 2011 that were removed or repealed by 2013

Strategic planning at state level significantly improved

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Greenhouse gases and climate change

20162011

Climate

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Qualitative assessment based on expert opinion.

Data/Information sources

Peer-reviewed literature and publicly available reports and government websites referenced in the 'Effectiveness of management' section.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

Planning and strategy

Planning: Australian Government has established a broad (‘three-pillars’) strategy underpinned by a legislated 20% Renewable Energy Target and Energy Efficiency Strategy. In July 2011, the government released a plan to establish a price on carbon and encourage least-cost abatement measures. Legislation to give effect to this is expected to be introduced to parliament in the latter half of 2011. A National Adaptation Framework was adopted by COAG in 2007. Level of strategic planning to mitigate and adapt to climate change varies considerably from state to state (e.g. in relation to adaptation to potential impacts of sea level rise)

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Planning and strategy

Inputs: Around $13.5 billion committed to climate change initiatives by the Australian Government

Funds available to support climate science at both national and state levels have been significantly reduced

Resources applied by states and territories to mitigation and adaptation programs have been significantly reduced.

Year(s):

2016

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Greenhouse gases and climate change

20162011

Climate

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Qualitative assessment based on expert opinion.

Data/Information sources

Peer-reviewed and publicly available reports and government websites referenced in the 'Effectiveness of management' section.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

Management outputs and outcomes

Inputs: Around $15 billion committed to climate change initiatives by the Australian Government. Significant funds are available to support climate science at both national and state levels. Significant resources are also being applied by states and territories to mitigation and adaptation programs

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management outputs and outcomes

Processs: Governance remains complex, with 3 tiers of government involved

Coordination of national, and state and territory programs under Council of Australian Governments actions have progressed (e.g. NEPP), and coordination between state and local governments has improved

Year(s):

2016

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Greenhouse gases and climate change

20162011

Climate

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Qualitative assessment based on expert opinion.

Data/Information sources

Peer-reviewed and publicly available reports and government websites referenced in the 'Effectiveness of management' section.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

Planning and strategy

Processes: Governance is complex, with three tiers of government needing to be involved. Coordination of federal and state and territory programs has been improved via COAG actions

Year(s):

2011

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Planning and strategy

Outputs and outcomes: Current and projected levels of success of national, and state and territory abatement programs suggest targets will be achieved

Some states have achieved targets already. Australia appears on track to achieve the national 2020 target of a 5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2000 levels, although there is some debate about this

Methodologies used to project attainment of targets appear to be consistent with international guidelines adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Year(s):

2016

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Greenhouse gases and climate change

20162011

Climate

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Qualitative assessment based on expert opinion.

Data/Information sources

Peer-reviewed and publicly available reports and government websites referenced in the 'Effectiveness of management' section.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

Management outputs and outcomes

Outputs and outcomes: Current and projected levels of success of federal and state and territory abatement programs are limited. To achieve the national 2020 target of a 5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2000 levels, abatement measures will need to be greatly increased

Year(s):

2011

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Management outputs and outcomes

Assessment Summary Key

Grades

Very effective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is good for most management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Effective legislation, policies and plans are in place for addressing all or most significant issues. Policies and plans clearly establish management objectives and operations targeted at major risks. Responsibility for managing issues is clearly and appropriately allocated
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are largely adequate to address management issues. Biophysical and socio-economic information is available to inform management decisions
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Well-designed management systems are being implemented for effective delivery of planned management actions, including clear governance arrangements, appropriate stakeholder engagement, active adaptive management and adequate reporting against goals
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are mostly progressing in accordance with planned programs and are achieving their desired objectives. Targeted threats are being demonstrably reduced
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	Resilience of environmental values is being maintained or improving. Values are considered secured against known threats

Effective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is generally good, but there is some variability across management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Effective legislation, policies and plans are in place, and management responsibilities are allocated appropriately, for addressing many significant issues. Policies and plans clearly establish management objectives and priorities for addressing major risks, but may not specify implementation procedures
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are mostly adequate to address management issues, but may not be secure. Biophysical and socio-economic information is available to inform decisions, although there may be deficiencies in some areas
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Well-designed management systems are in place, but are not yet being fully implemented
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are mostly progressing in accordance with planned programs and are achieving their desired objectives. Targeted threats are understood, and measures are in place to manage them
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	Resilience of environmental values is improving, but threats remain as significant factors affecting environmental systems

Partially effective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is only fair for most management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Legislation, policies and planning systems are deficient, and/or there is lack of clarity about who has management responsibility, for several significant issues
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are unable to address management issues in some important areas. Biophysical and socio-economic information is available to inform management decisions, although there are significant deficiencies in some areas
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Management systems provide some guidance, but are not consistently delivering on implementation of management actions, stakeholder engagement, adaptive management or reporting
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are progressing and showing signs of achieving some objectives. Targeted threats are understood, and measures are being developed to manage them
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	The expected impacts of management measures on improving resilience of environmental values are yet to be seen. Managed threats remain as significant factors influencing environmental systems

Ineffective

Elements of management effectiveness and assessment criteria		Description of grade
Managing context (understanding of environmental issues; adequacy of regulatory control mechanisms and policy coverage)	Understanding of context Decision-makers and environmental managers have a good understanding of: environmental and socio-economic significance of environmental values, including ecosystem functions and cultural importance current and emerging threats to values. Environmental considerations and information have a significant impact on national policy decisions across the broad range of government responsibilities.	Understanding of environmental and cultural systems, and factors affecting them is poor for most management issues
	Planning Policies and plans are in place that provide clarity on: objectives for management actions that address major pressures and risks to environmental values roles and responsibilities for managing environmental issues operational procedures, and a framework for integration and consistency of planning and management across sectors and jurisdictions.	Legislation, policies and planning systems have not been developed to address significant issues
Management capacity (adequacy of resources, appropriateness of governance arrangements and efficiency of management processes)	Inputs Resources are available to implement plans and policies, including: financial resources human resources information.	Financial and staffing resources are unable to address management issues in many areas. Biophysical and socio-economic information to support decisions is deficient in many areas
	Processes A governance system is in place that provides for: appropriate stakeholder engagement in decisions and implementation of management activities adaptive management for longer-term initiatives transparency and accountability.	Adequate management systems are not in place. Lack of consistency and integration of management activities across jurisdictions is a problem for many issues
Achievements (delivery of expected products, services and impacts)	Outputs Management objectives are being met for: timely delivery of products and services reduction of current pressures and emerging risks to environmental values.	Management responses are either not progressing in accordance with planned programs (significant delays or incomplete actions) or the actions undertaken are not achieving their objectives. Threats are not actively being addressed
	Outcomes Management objectives are being met for improvements to resilience of environmental values.	Resilience of environmental values is still low or continuing to decline. Unmitigated threats remain as significant factors influencing environmental systems

Recent Trends

Improving
Stable
Deteriorating
Unclear

Confidence

Adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus
Somewhat adequate: Adequate high-quality evidence or high level of consensus
Limited: Limited evidence or limited consensus
Very limited: Limited evidence and limited consensus
Low: Evidence and consensus too low to make an assessment

Comparability

Comparable: Grade and trend are comparable to the previous assessment
Somewhat comparable: Grade and trend are somewhat comparable to the previous assessment
Not comparable: Grade and trend are not comparable to the previous assessment
Not previously assessed

Keywood MD, Emmerson KM, Hibberd MF (2016). Climate: Effectiveness of climate change management. In: Australia state of the environment 2016, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, https://soe.environment.gov.au/assessment-summary-32-effectiveness-climate-change-management, DOI 10.4226/94/58b65c70bc372

COAG = Council of Australian Governments

The assessment summaries in State of the Environment reporting provide snapshots of key information, and focus on identifying areas for continued or more concentrated attention on strengthening environmental systems to cope with pressures in the future. Assessment summaries are provided for state and trend, pressures and management responses in each of the themes. The summary text in the assessment tables should be read in conjunction with the explanatory text in each section of the theme chapters.

The authors have indicated the strength of the evidence for assessments with a ‘level of confidence’. If adequate high-quality data were available or consensus was high, confidence is indicated as high. If there were only limited data or consensus to determine grades, confidence is indicated as low. Where data are insufficient to attempt scores, this is also indicated, and the component remains on the list to remind readers that it is still an important aspect of the Australian environment, and that more information is needed to improve our understanding and capacity to respond to environmental challenges.

Effectiveness of climate change management