As deadly fires and floods wreak havoc around the world, Australia will take a guiding role at international talks on adapting to climate change.
Climate adaptation will be a critical part of the first global stocktake of progress since the Paris Agreement and goals for 2035.
A global goal on adaptation was established for the first time under the 2015 agreement with the aim to "enhance adaptive capacity, strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change".
The task of the talks in Dubai in December is to agree a framework to put those words into practice.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister has been invited to steer the negotiations on climate adaptation.
"Since we took government, we've brought a real focus to all aspects of the climate policy task," Senator McAllister told AAP.
She said updating and legislating climate targets, a stronger safeguard mechanism to cut industrial emissions and new renewable energy investment means Australia can now hold its head high on the world stage.
"That very clear change in direction by the Australian government is both recognised and welcomed," she said.
"The invitation now for Australia co-facilitate the adaptation discussions is a further indication that the international community recognises that we're back at the table."
Federal Labor is pressing ahead with adaption plans for Australia, including the first National Climate Risk Assessment and the development of a National Adaptation Plan.
Adaptation is also very significant for the region as Pacific neighbours face climate threats.
"Our interest is in ensuring that in these international discussions the voices of the Pacific are elevated and heard," Senator McAllister said.
