| 15/11/2005
- Research funded by the Australian Government and carried
out by our leading climate change scientists over the
past 15 years has proven to be a great investment, the
Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian
Campbell, said today.
Speaking at the Greenhouse 2005: Action on Climate Change
conference in Melbourne today, Senator Campbell said Australian
scientists are at the forefront of building an understanding
of climate change, particularly as it affects Australia
and the surrounding region.
“Australian scientists are making a world class contribution
to the global understanding of climate change,” Senator
Campbell said.
“Climate change science underpins Australia’s climate
change policy and will continue to do so.
“While the debate on whether human activity is contributing
to climate change is over we need to advance our understanding
of issues such as how the earth system is responding to
increasing global greenhouse gas concentration, how to
make our social, economic and natural systems more resilient
to future climate changes and how to manage our land and
industries to minimise greenhouse gas emissions, including
through new low-emission technologies.
“Through the $30.7 million Australian Climate Change Science
Programme, the Australian Government is investing strongly
in continuing climate change research over the four years
to 2008.
“It is a key part of our $1.8 billion climate change strategy
designed to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions,
develop an effective global response to climate change
and help prepare communities, industries and regions to
adapt to the impacts of climate change.”
Senator Campbell launched a range of publications at the
conference and said they reflect Australia’s growing climate
change science expertise.
“Today I am delighted to launch two complementary publications
– Australian Climate Change Science Programme: Major Achievements
1989-2004 documents the great progress made so far in
Australian scientific research.
“Australian Climate Change Science Programme: Strategic
Research Agenda 2004-08 looks at the scientific questions
that are key to Australia’s climate change interests and
charts the way forward as we face the challenges of climate
change in our region in coming years.”
Senator Campbell also released Climate Change Science—Your
Questions Answered, a guide which addresses commonly asked
questions about climate change. |
