South Australia
Government Structure and Role
Population: 1.8 million (2022)
GDP: AU$134 billion / US$88.4 billion
Geographic area (sq miles/kilometers):
983,482 km² / 379,725 sq mi
Major economic sectors: Mining, Agriculture, Tourism
Government size – number of employees: 115,000
Governments & Jurisdictions: 68 local councils across the state
Governance on Climate Change
Key laws and strategies
South Australia’s Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007: In 2024, the Act is being amended to update greenhouse gas emission reduction and renewable electricity targets, and to strengthen requirements related to government planning, risk assessment and action on climate change.
Climate action plans and strategies:
South Australia – Responding to Climate Change outlines the priority actions that the South Australian Government will be focusing on in the near term to build a strong, net zero emissions future and adapt to climate change. These priority actions build upon Climate Change Actions (2022).
Climate Change Actions (2022) outlines existing government action to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.
11 Regional Adaptation Plans (2016)for each of the state governments regions provides a foundation for a coordinated and collaborative response to climate change, outlining priorities for adaptation across the region.
Internal governance structure
A central climate change policy team operates within the Department of Environment and Water (DEW). DEW supports the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water to develop laws, policies and programs to address mitigation and adaptation. DEW works across government in carrying out its role, recognising that climate change impacts across all sectors and services. Independent advice to the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change is provided by the Premier’s Climate Change Council (PCCC). In addition to its advisory role, the PCCC consults with businesses, the environment and conservation sector, and the wider community about issues associated with climate change.
Recent and Projected Impacts: MCAP Priority Climate Risks
Extreme Heat: Across all South Australian regions, the frequency of very hot days will continue to increase, and heatwaves will get longer and hotter. 2019 marked the second warmest ever recorded year in the region, with prolonged periods of high temperatures exceeding 50℃ in some areas.
Drought: The Millennium Drought, lasting from 2001 to 2009, severely impacted the region heavily reliant on the River Murray, leading to water scarcity, agricultural losses, and environmental degradation. This devastating period has prompted measures to address drought and water security. Projections indicate there will be a decline in annual and spring rainfall across the state by 2050, increasing projected prolonged drought periods in all regions of South Australia.
Wildfires: The risk of bushfires is increasing, compounded by rising temperatures and decreased rainfall, leading to drier conditions and resulting in more frequent and intense fires. The state's unique ecosystems, including its bushland and grasslands, are becoming more susceptible to ignition and the rapid spread of fires.