A new institute at The Australian National University will tackle the complex problem of climate change head on, harnessing the expertise of the University’s researchers across traditional disciplinary lines.
The ANU Climate Change Institute will be announced by ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb in an address to the National Press Club today. The Institute will be headed by Professor Will Steffen.
“We know from ANUpoll released today that concern about climate change is one area that the community is particularly concerned about. Climate change is perceived as a major long-term threat to the health of the planet by a large proportion of the population. But there is no simple solution to this problem. It is one that reaches across the boundaries of science, social sciences, health, economics, law, philosophy and more,” said Professor Chubb.
“The reality that lies at the heart of the climate change challenge is the need for a deep comprehension of interlaced, inseparable elements in highly complex systems. Perhaps no challenge facing us demands such an interdisciplinary approach. It is a challenge that the community expects universities to meet, and one that universities must meet.
“In that vein, today I am pleased to announce the formation of the ANU Climate Change Institute under the leadership of Professor Will Steffen. This initiative represents a substantial effort by the University to harness expertise across disciplines to extend knowledge about climate change – its drivers, its implications, the scope for positive responses to its impact, and possible correctives to its trajectory.”
Professor Steffen said the CCI would support and promote research in the core climate-related capabilities across the ANU, which include understanding the climate system, understanding the human dimensions of climate change, understanding its impact on the Asia-Pacific Region and approaches to mitigating and adapting to the climate change.
“It will develop high quality climate education aimed at meeting the national and international demand for qualified practitioners. From 2009 ANU will offer an interdisciplinary Masters in Climate Change offered jointly by the Fenner School of Environment and Society and the Crawford School of Economics and Government. We believe it is the first of its kind in Australia” Professor Steffen said.
“The Climate Change institute will also engage globally, co-hosting the International Alliance of Research Universities Copenhagen Climate Change Congress March 2009, and engaging with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the World Climate Research Programme, and the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme among others.
“The work we do now will be crucial to our future, and the integration of talent drawn from across the disciplines at ANU will benefit the nation.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb’s address to the National Press Club launching the ANU Climate Change Institute is available at ANU News
