New Australian Center Targets Climate Change

Two scientific agencies in Australia have joined forces to create a new research center focused on climate and weather research, according to news from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO).

The Center for Australian Weather and Climate Research will be an equal partnership between CSIRO's Marine and Atmospheric Research division and the Bureau of Meteorology Research Center. The new center was created to provide coordinated research in Australia into the "critically important" areas of climate and weather.

"Australia has been at the forefront of climate and weather research and the evolving science of Earth systems for many years," said Chris Mitchell, the center's director. "The new joint approach provides a strong focus for climate research that will be absolutely critical for the future of Australia and the world."

Australia, already a dry continent, is currently experiencing its worst drought in recorded history. Experts predict the nation could be among those most economically hurt by climate change, especially in terms of agricultural production.

Up until this month, Australia and the U.S. were the lone industrial nations to hold out on signing the international Kyoto Protocol aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the newly sworn-in Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd said he would make it a top priority to join the other countries that have already signed Kyoto.

In addition to climate change, the new Center for Australian Weather and Climate Research will conduct research into ocean prediction, seasonal climate prediction, water management, severe weather and air quality issues. The center's scientists will have access to new supercomputing facilities, and will also work to develop an Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator.

"These new facilities will provide weather and climate researchers with the opportunity to take an holistic approach to their research to better capture climate processes involving the ocean, carbon cycle, sea-ice and cloud chemistry," Mitchell said.

The new center's researchers will also work with the UK's Met Office Hadley Center for Climate Change to adapt that agency's advanced weather and climate prediction program to conditions in Australia.

"The Center for Australian Weather and Climate Research will combine the vast climate expertise of the Bureau and CSIRO to become an important center of research excellence," Mitchell said.

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, "New Centre to Focus on Climate and Weather Research." URL: (http://www.csiro.au/news/NewCentreCAWCR.html)