National Committee for Earth System Science

The Committee covers the science needed to understand weather and climate, how it is changing, and how it will change in the future, including data, process-based understanding and modelling.
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The Committee covers the science needed to understand weather and climate, how it is changing, and how it will change in the future, including data, process-based understanding and modelling.  

The National Committee for Earth System Science aims to: 

  • provide strategic evidence-based advice on Earth system science to the Academy and other bodies as required   
  • support scientific literacy and excellence in Earth system science by engaging with researchers, professionals and relevant national organisations 
  • liaise with relevant international bodies, ensuring Australian involvement in international activities   
  • promote interdisciplinary collaboration and take a multi-disciplinary approach in providing advice to the Academy 
  • provide strategies, recommendations, and implementation priorities for improving Earth System models and climate projections and predictions   

The core objectives of the committee derive from the NCESS Plan 2010 To live within Earth’s limits: An Australian plan to develop a science of the whole Earth system. Other broad aims include communication and reporting of Earth system science, advocacy for the funding needs of the ESS community, championing the ESS agenda and promoting Australian connections to international Earth system science.

The NCESS plan encompasses the development of a broader cross-academy approach to Earth system science in Australia that meshes with the Future Earth initiative of the International Science Council (ISC).

Reports and activities

Related groups and organisations

Members

Chair

  • Professor Andrew Pitman FAA, 2015–2026

Deputy Chair

  • To be filled

Ordinary Members

  • Professor Julie Arblaster, 2026–2028
  • Dr Josep Canadell FAA, 2023–2026
  • Dr Chloe Mackellah, 2023–2026
  • Dr Felicity McCormack, 2023–2026
  • Dr Negin Nazarian, 2023–2026
  • Dr Christoph Rudiger, 2023–2026
  • Dr Claire Vincent, 2023–2026
  • Dr Jan David Zika, 2023–2026

Observers

  • Dr Clem Duvert, Observer for EMCR Forum Executive, 2025–2026

Ex-officio Members

  • None