Department of Climate Change

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Australian climate change research - perspectives on successes, challenges and future directions

Prepared as part of a review of the Australian Climate Change Science Programme,
by Susan Solomon, Co-chair Working Group One of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Senior Scientist, NOAA, Boulder, CO USA
Will Steffen, Director, The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 2007

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Executive Summary

Australia is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Understanding the Australian climate system, how it is being affected by anthropogenic climate change, and the consequences for Australian society require a strong basis in fundamental biophysical science understanding. The Australian Climate Change Science Programme (ACCSP) has been a key element in meeting this challenge with distinction.

It is evident that demands for knowledge on climate change have reached an all-time high, due to massive interest by governments, the public, and the private sector. Decision-making by governments has begun to address key challenges of impacts and adaptation to climate change, which has created an imperative for a much deeper foundation in new types of biophysical science information. For example, improved understanding of the likelihood of changes not just in average climate but also in its extremes is urgently needed, including present and future changes in drought intensity and duration, as well as a deeper assessment of linkages to streamflow and soil moisture. To meet this new challenge, nothing less than a fully national effort is required. The following elements are essential for a strengthened and more effective national approach, building on the established role and mode of working of the Australian Climate Change Science Programme:

  1. A national framework for strategic planning and enhanced collaboration. Based on complementarity and synergy, the framework should provide the structure for collaboration and integration across institutions. The centrepiece of the framework should be a national-level core programme around a set of high priority science questions of importance for Australia.
  2. An increased and more flexible funding base. A measured ramp-up of funding for fundamental biophysical climate science over the next five years to a new, higher level is required to implement the framework. Removing some constraints on the use of existing funding sources can add flexibility to and increase the effectiveness of the framework.
  3. Next generation scientists and renewed infrastructure. Opportunities are needed for young scientists to build stable, long-term career paths and for the most talented investigators to undertake “blue sky” research. Core infrastructure such as supercomputing for global climate modelling urgently needs renewal.
  4. Global scientific engagement to address a global policy problem. A globally networked and effective scientific enterprise is essential to support the global policy process on climate change. Fostering Australia’s unique scientific strengths will benefit the pursuit of sound national and international policy.