Primary industries, enterprises and communities adapting to climate change

  1. Research theme overview
  2. Climate impacts and how to adapt
  3. Industries and communities
  4. New technologies and practices
  5. Major adaptative changes and mitigation options

New technologies and practices

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This area of research is about developing new technologies and practices that will enable land managers to respond to changed climate conditions, including increased carbon dioxide levels and increased temperatures.

The research provides improved analysis and delivery approaches for better management of climate variability.

This portfolio of research includes:

  • Climate-ready crops: wheat, sorghum and sugarcane breeds adapted to climate change. Research is examining existing varieties, traits and production systems to advise on suitable geographical shifts. The project will also identify breeding program requirements and genetic materials with improved responses to higher temperature, less water and elevated carbon dioxide, and more suitable flowering times in the season. Learn more with Crops ready for a different future climate.
  • Testing seasonal climate forecasting technology on irrigation farms for water supply and demand. Learn more about Seasonal forecasting for irrigators.
  • New technologies for identifying hot spots and ecosystem characteristics (for example, remote sensing of plant health related to forestry pests).
  • Polymer (plastic) films for maintaining micro-climates around crops.

1. Data from ABARE-BRS: http://www.abare-brs.gov.au/data 

Stokes C & Howden M. (eds). 2010. Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: Preparing Australian Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the Future. CSIRO PUBLISHING. 296 pp.