The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, that climate science will remain a “bedrock function” of the CSIRO.
President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Andrew Holmes, said that the announcement would be welcomed by the research community in Australia and internationally as an indication that climate science remains a priority for the Turnbull government.
“This is a positive step, but there are still many challenges facing Australia, and the world at large, that will be measured and addressed through climate science,” Professor Holmes said.
“Australia plays a key role in understanding global climate, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, and this will go some way towards addressing the critical capacity issues identified; there is still a need to make sure Australia’s climate science is effectively led and coordinated.”
“The Academy is finalising its review of Australian climate science capability and looks forward to working with government to ensure effective coordination and leadership of climate research in Australia.”
Professor Holmes said it was positive that the government had moved to address concerns within the broader community about Australia’s nationally coordinated climate science capacity.
Professor Holmes will be available for comment, please contact Dion Pretorius on 0418281777 to arrange an interview.
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