According to the United Nations Environment Program, "Healthy, well-functioning ecosystems enhance natural resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change and reduce the vulnerability of people. Ecosystem-based management offers a valuable yet under-utilized approach for climate change adaptation, complementing traditional actions such as infrastructure development."

The Queensland Government Office of Climate Change is exploring how existing ecosystems can be managed in light of anticipated impacts of climate change:

Queensland is home to an outstanding diversity of terrestrial and marine ecosystems-our biodiversity is unique and invaluable. It is fundamental to our wellbeing, quality of life, and the ongoing strength of the state's economy.

Without strong global action to reduce emissions, climate change will cause devastating biodiversity loss and even the most ambitious adaption program is unlikely to prevent significant impacts on hotspots like the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics.

Already the Queensland Government has taken some important early steps towards building resilience in the natural environment, including extensive vegetation management reform, a commitment to expand the protected area estate and the introduction of tough new protection measures for the Great Barrier Reef.

Further adaptation action for ecosystems may include:

  • developing a better understanding of how climate change will impact different ecosystems, and ensuring nature conservation frameworks take account of this
  • dealing with the economic risks associated with biodiversity loss
  • harnessing carbon market investment to achieve ecosystem adaptation outcomes.