Greenhouse 2011: the science of climate change

Some of the world’s leading climate scientists and government, community and industry representatives will be in Cairns from 4-8 April to attend Australia’s preeminent climate change science conference - Greenhouse 2011.

The conference’s themes include: observations of the atmosphere and oceans; climate trends; projections for Australian and global temperature, rainfall, sea-level rise and extreme events; adapting to inevitable change; and communicating about climate change.

Policy and economic implications of climate change will also be addressed. ABC journalist Kerry O’Brien will host what is expected to be a lively discussion on the topic of converting science into policy.

A full-day session on climate variability and change in Queensland is scheduled.

Presentations will also examine the likely impact of climate change on extreme events, such as flooding and tropical cyclones.

A keynote speaker will be one of Australia’s leading advisers on climate change policy, Professor Ross Garnaut, who is currently compiling a series of reports for the Australian Government designed to update the findings of the Garnaut Climate Change Review 2008.

Other key speakers include:

• Dr Megan Clark, CSIRO Chief Executive
• Dr Greg Ayers, Director of the Bureau of Meteorology
• Professor Dean Roemmich, Scripps Institution of Oceanography (USA)
• Dr Carlos Nobre, Instituto Nacional de Pasquisas Espaciais (Brazil)
• Dr Tom Knutson, GFDL NOAA (USA)
• Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, University of Queensland.

Conference Convenor CSIRO’s Paul Holper said Greenhouse 2011 presents scientists and policymakers with a golden opportunity to discuss and debate the critical issues.

“There is also a great need to ensure that the latest climate science and its implications are understood by the community,” Holper said. “‘Greenhouse’ helps this happen and encourages collaboration between researchers.”

Greenhouse 2011 is being organised by CSIRO in conjunction with the Australian Climate Change Science Program. Major sponsors include the Department of Climate Change, the Queensland Government, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and New Scientist.