For engineers, climate change it is no longer on the horizon – it is part of every project brief.
Whether it is energy systems, transport networks or urban infrastructure, climate resilience is now central to how things are built, maintained and adapted.
That is the starting point for the Engineers Australia Climate Smart Engineering Conference 2025 (CSE25), to be held for the first time in Adelaide on August 27–28 at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Why attend CSE25?
The event will bring together professionals across disciplines to share practical strategies for adaptation and mitigation – and to have frank conversations about what’s working, what’s not, and where we go from here.
This year’s theme, ‘Resilience engineered: Solutions for our climate reality’, reflects a clear shift in mindset. Engineering decisions now shape climate outcomes as much as they respond to them.
What to expect
Over two days, delegates will have the opportunity to learn from leading engineering professionals and industry experts through a dynamic technical program spanning decarbonisation, energy transition, circular economy, resilience, workforce, transport, infrastructure and more. They will also participate in an interactive plenary that debates real-world climate challenges and solutions.
Plenary program highlights
The plenary program will feature a line-up of keynote speakers and panel discussions addressing the most pressing issues in climate smart engineering.
Leading climate scientist Professor Mark Howden, FTSE, Director, Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS), Australian National University (ANU) will unpack the realities of climate change – what’s happening now, what’s likely to happen next, and how this scientific evidence can be used as a tool for action in the engineering context.
A keynote presentation from Natural Hazards Research Australia Science and Innovation Director, Professor Cheryl Desha, will seek to challenge some of the profession’s traditional risk frameworks and push for design approaches that evolve with shifting conditions.
Sessions will also feature Engineers Australia Group Executive Professional Standards and Engineering Practice, Bernadette Foley, and ServiceGen co-founder, Ian Oppermann, discussing how to engineer flexibility into systems under pressure.
On the practical side, the Engineering Circularity plenary will bring together researchers like Associate Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox and engineering leaders like Professor Ali Abbas to explore how circular economy principles can drive resilience in supply chains, energy systems and material use.
Simon Kuestenmacher, known for his analysis of demographic trends and future skills, will offer insights into how generational shifts and technology are reshaping the engineering sector. This represents a timely conversation, especially as demand for climate-focused skills grows faster than the current pipeline can supply.
Be at the forefront of Australia’s climate resilience efforts
Engineers and industry professionals play a vital role in shaping a more resilient and sustainable future. CSE25 provides an opportunity to connect with experts, exchange ideas, and explore practical solutions to climate challenges.
To view the full program and register visit engineersaustralia.org.au/cse
