Extreme weather, climate change & the community sector Results from the research

The NCCARF Project  Background: ACOSS & Climate Risk  Research questions: vulnerability and resilience/adaptive capacity  Research methods: literature review, workshops, national survey  Outputs: Systems analysis, failure and adaptation modes, risk and adaptation registers

The literature: GAPS in the knowledge THERE ARE KEY GAPS IN THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SECTOR’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING DISASTER RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION Research questionType of evidenceA gap in the literature? 1. Are people experiencing poverty and social disadvantage in developed countries more susceptible than the general community to climate change, particularly extreme weather events? Peer-reviewed literature SOME GAPS related to specific groups (eg. homeless people) 2. Is there evidence that CWOs increase the resilience of people experiencing poverty and social disadvantage? ACOSS sector survey, AIHW and PC data Clear evidence 3. Has the potential role and importance of the community welfare sector in climate change adaptation been recognised in the literature? Sector analysis KEY GAP 4. Are community welfare sector organisations at risk of failure or strain from climate change, particularly impacts to infrastructure? Proxy evidence from SME and health sectors KEY GAP 5. Do specific adaptation strategies exist for CWOs in order for them to continue carrying out their role in supporting people experiencing poverty and social disadvantage under climate change? Sector research and analysis (UK and Australia). KEY GAP

Filling the knowledge gaps Through the project we worked to fill the gaps – Using proxies from the SME, health and emergency management sectors in the literature and Using data from the workshops and the survey We now have the evidence base needed to answer the research questions presented

National survey – summary of key findings 1. The sector and its client base is highly vulnerable and not well prepared respond to climate change and extreme weather impacts – particularly to infrastructure 2. Resilience indicators based on responses to risk identified: size, knowledge and past experience of extreme events 3. Being located in NSW and WA was found to be negatively correlated with robust organisational responses to risk

National survey – summary of key findings (cont.) 1. There is a clear willingness to respond to CC and EW risks within the sector 2. However, community service organisations feel unable to act at present 3. The survey has identified specialist resources, skills and facilities within the sector which would enable it to contribute to community resilience and disaster preparedness

Vulnerability to direct impacts Length of time to make alternative arrangements for service provision if buildings/premises inaccessible?

Preparedness is Insurance against losses caused by extreme events

A clear willingness to act What adaptation actions would organisations like to take if resources available?

Barriers to adaptation Barriers to adaptation for organisations

Supporting resilience - we have a lot to offer Assistance organisations could provide to clients after an extreme weather events

Resilience indicators  Knowledge about climate change  Past experience of an extreme event  Organisational size  The challenge: communicating climate change risks to clients and service delivery in a way that spurs the sector to action without organisations having to experience directly the devastation of an extreme event

Priorities for the sector  Preparedness  Resilience/adaptive capacity  Collaboration & networks

What do we need to achieve these priorities?  The evidence base  Multi-directional advocacy  Funding and resources  Tools, metrics and benchmarks