This paper explores how climate change policy-making could respond more effectively to uncertainty and risk. It presents an overview of key issues in risk and sustainability policymaking and then looks at two alternative approaches: Integrated Assessment (IA), and socioecological resilience theory and adaptive management. Some key themes and proposals are then identified by which an effective risk-management approach to climate change can be assessed. The paper draws on global examples but concludes with a brief look Australia and the State of Victoria, proposing further research to assess Victorian climate change policy using the themes identified.