Weeds have long been a problem in Australia, with a large and growing reserve of potential weeds from the 2,700 already naturalised species. Under climate change, the 26,000 exotic plant species already grown in Australia, though not yet naturalised, could be an even larger reserve of potential weeds.

While scientists and land managers have a long history of fighting weed invasions, often successfully, climate change will increase the challenge. Climate change will exacerbate the weeds threat mainly through new and changed levels of plant invasions. However, Australia’s extensive experience in control provides a strong basis to develop adaptation responses to climate change.

See the Australian Weed Strategy which provides overall national policy direction for weed issues: http://www.weeds.org.au/

For key definitions in Invasion Science, visit the Weeds Adaptation Campus.