The South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative (SEQCARI) is a partnership between the Queensland and Australian Governments, the CSIRO Climate Adaptation National Research Flagship, Griffith University, University of the Sunshine Coast and The University of Queensland.

South East Queensland (SEQ) is particularly vulnerable to climate change because of its growing population and coastal location. Human settlements, infrastructure, unique ecosystems, and primary industries all face threats from more extreme weather events, increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns as a result of increased greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these risks and challenges, climate change may also bring some economic and social opportunities.

SEQCARI aims to provide research knowledge to enable the region to adapt and prepare for the impacts of climate change, developing practical and cost-effective adaptation strategies to assist decision makers in government, industry and the community. The initiative is the first comprehensive regional study on climate change adaptation undertaken in Australia, and one of only a few worldwide. It is exploring both vulnerabilities and adaptation options in response to climate change so that our prosperous regional economy, environment and lifestyles can be maintained into the future.

The Human Settlements Component of SEQCARI covers five principal sectors of: urban planning and management; coastal management; physical infrastructure related to local government; emergency management; and human health. The relevant combinations of the proposed adaptation options, in the form of policies, programs and actions for each of the five sectors, seek to minimise SEQ’s vulnerability to future climate change impacts, including natural hazards.