 The climate theme is separated into two sub-themes, climate observations and coasts and oceans. Climate is linked to the oceans and it should be remembered that much of the weather experienced on land has its origins over the oceans. Information about historical climate variability helps us to better understand Queensland's climate, especially in regard to agricultural and water resources. Queensland's climate is strongly influenced by seasonal variations, such as the location and intensity of the summer monsoon, and year-to-year fluctuations in the global climate system related to the El Niño southern oscillation phenomenon. El Niño is often, though not always, associated with below-average seasonal rainfall and high drought risk. La Niña, the opposite of El Niño, is often linked to an increased risk of above-average rainfall, floods and tropical cyclones. The coast is the interface between land, ocean and atmosphere. Monitoring sea surface temperatures around Queensland is important in terms of extreme events such as a number, formation and development of tropical cyclones, east coast lows and storm surges. Warmer than average sea surface temperatures increase the risk of these events. Temperatures in the coupling of the global ocean climate systems are already having substantial and important ramifications for the world's coasts and oceans. Queensland's climate is changing. It's important that we accept the latest climate science and plan for future adaptation and resilience.