In Australia, shared responsibility is a concept advocated to promote collective climate change adaptation
by multiple actors and institutions. However, a shared response is often promoted in the absence of
information regarding actions currently taken; in particular, there is limited knowledge regarding action
occurring at the household scale. To address this gap, we examine household actions taken to address
climate change and associated hazards in two Australian coastal communities. Mixed methods research
is conducted to answer three questions: (1) what actions are currently taken (mitigation, actions to lobby
for change or adaptation to climate impacts)? (2) why are these actions taken (e.g. are they consistent
with capacity, experience, perceptions of risk); and (3) what are the implications for adaptation? We
find
that households are predominantly mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and that impact orientated
adaptive actions are limited. Coping strategies are considered sufficient to mange climate risks, proving a
disincentive for additional adaptive action. Influencing factors differ, but generally, risk perception and
climate change belief are associated with action. However, the likelihood of more action is a function of
homeownership and a tendency to plan ahead. Addressing factors that support or constrain household
adaptive decision-making and action, from the physical (e.g. homeownership) to the social (e.g. skills in
planning and a culture of adapting to change) will be critical in increasing household participation in
adaptation.