Abstract

Developed over a five-year period, Tackling Climate Change has six specific and two cross-cutting goals aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and responding and adapting to climate change. The focus of this paper is on the specific Community goal and the cross-cutting Adaptation goal. The Australian policy cycle is used to consider the effectiveness of the development of these goals and the resultant objectives, strategies and actions. The likely effects of adaptation strategies and actions on social equity and health are explored using an equity-focussed, health impact assessment approach. The paper concludes by considering the implications of recent federal elections in Australia on further development of research and strategies needed to adapt to climate change in a way that promotes social equity and health.