Department of Climate Change and environment & Water

Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water Portfolio

Protecting Australia’s Environment, Strengthening Climate Resilience & Securing Our Water Future

Australia’s Climate, Environment & Water Portfolio leads national action on climate change, environmental protection, biodiversity, energy transition, and water security. It coordinates scientific agencies, environmental regulators, climate intelligence services, and national water management systems to safeguard Australia’s natural environment and support long‑term national resilience.

 

 

 

Our Purpose

We create policies and programs to:

• combat climate change and develop a smart energy system for the future
• protect our unique environment, wildlife, and heritage
• manage Australia’s water resources for industries and local communities
• take care of Australia’s interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

We rely on science. We’re innovative and work together. We focus on what’s ahead.

Our Role

Our work covers many areas.

We manage Australia’s valuable resources on land and water, in towns and cities. We:

• promote actions for climate change and invest in cleaner technologies
• ensure we have a reliable and affordable energy system
• protect Australia’s wildlife and natural heritage
• support wise management of natural resources
• oversee Australia’s water resources for the environment, industries, and communities
• provide information and analysis on climate, energy, and the environment.

Working with You

We collaborate with stakeholders, governments, and the community to meet our goals.

We welcome feedback through:

• public consultations
• industry meetings
• advisory committees
• international discussions
• connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Our Business

To achieve our goals, we:

• provide advice to the Australian Government
• run programs
• oversee laws and regulations.

We are a regulatory body.

We enforce laws regarding:

• protection of the environment and wildlife
• use of harmful substances and pollutants
• import and export of wildlife
• fuel quality
• offshore greenhouse gas storage.