DOCSLIB.ORG

Adapting to Our Changing Climate

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Adapting to Our Changing Climate AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING (ATSE) NUMBER 149 APRIL 2008 Adapting to our changing climate Contributors discuss key aspects of climate change and its impacts, international moves to ameliorate its effects, what those effects might be and what Australia can do about them FOCUS www.atse.org.au 4923_OQS_ATSE_Ad_CLR_A4_PTRT.indd 1 13/3/08 9:58:51 AM CONTENTS 12 ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: THE CAETS CONVOCATION STATEMENT 5 15 OCEANS OF CHANGE Thewideningscopeof climatechange 18 GaRNAUT: GENERAL ISSUES By Graeme Pearman AND PARTICULAR INTERESTS 20 GaRNAUT RELEASES ETS MODEL PAPER 20 WILL CLIMATE CHANGE DAMAGE OUR INFRASTRUCTURE? 8 21 FLAWED CLIMATE CHANGE Australia’sclimate ADVICE FROM BIG SCIENCE responsepriorities needtochange 24 A CASE AGAINST CLIMATE By Ken Dredge ALARMISM 26 HYDROGEN STILL HAS PLENTY OF RESEARCH CHALLENGES 27 ATSE WINS ARC GRANT TO SHAPE NEW HEALTH 10 APPROACHES It’stimetomove 28 PETER CULLEN: A TRULY GREAT forward AUSTRALIAN By Brian Sadler 31 ATSE IN FOCUS References Cover: Southern Ocean recovery of equipment used to measure The subject of climate change is contentious. The articles published on the topic in ocean temperatures and take water samples to determine the this edition of ATSE Focus are from respected contributors, representing a variety of carbon content of sea water. By absorbing carbon dioxide and points of view on various aspects of the topic. The format of ATSE Focus does not heat, oceans influence the rate of climate change. Deep ocean permit publication of lists of references or extensive footnoting. Readers are reminded measurements are used to determine the recent rate of change. that each author’s email address is provided at the start of each article and requests for Photo: CSIRO references or further information can be directed to the authors. – Editor ATSE is an independent body of eminent Australian engineers and scientists established to promote the application of scientific and engineering knowledge to practical purposes. ATSE Focus is produced to serve this goal. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of ATSE. Material published in Focus may be reproduced provided ATSE Focus is produced to stimulate discussion and appropriate acknowledgement is given to the author and the Academy. public policy initiatives on key topics of interest Chief Executive Officer: Dr Trevor Evans to the Academy and the nation. Many articles are Editor: Bill Mackey contributed by ATSE Fellows with expertise in these Technical Consultant: Dr Vaughan Beck FTSE areas. Opinion pieces on topics of national interest, AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERINg (ATSE) particularly the Academy’s key interest areas – climate Address: Ian McLennan House, 197 Royal Parade, Parkville Victoria 3052 change, water, energy and education – will be Postal Address: PO Box 355, Parkville Victoria 3052 considered for publication. Items between 800 Telephone: 03 9340 1200 and 1500 words are preferred. Please address Facsimile: 03 9347 8237 Email: [email protected] articles for publication and letters to the editor ACN 008 520 394 to [email protected]. ABN 58 008 520 394 Print Post Publication No 341403/0025 Deadline for the receipt of copy for next edition of ISSN 1326-8708 Focus is16May2008 Design and production: Coretext 03 9670 1168 www.coretext.com.au FOCUS www.atse.org.au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åOBODJBM TVQQPSUUPSFTFBSDITUVEFOUT8FIBWFEFWFMPQFETUSPOHMPDBMBOE JOUFSOBUJPOBMDPMMBCPSBUJWFSFTFBSDIJOJUJBUJWFTXJUIJOEVTUSZQBSUOFSTBOE 'PSGVSUIFSJOGPSNBUJPO QSFTUJHJPVTUFSUJBSZFEVDBUJPOJOTUJUVUJPOT 'BDVMUZPG&OHJOFFSJOH 3FTFBSDI%FHSFFT 5 l %PDUPSPG1IJMPTPQIZ 1I% NJOZFBSTPGGVMMUJNFTUVEZMFBEJOHUPB &FOHGBDVMUZ!VOTXFEVBV TJHOJåDBOUDPOUSJCVUJPOUPLOPXMFEHF XXXFOHVOTXFEVBV l.BTUFSCZ3FTFBSDIDMPTFMZTVQFSWJTFEPSJHJOBMJOWFTUJHBUJPOXIPTFTDPQF JTNPSFMJNJUFEUPUIBUPGB1I%.JOZFBSTPGGVMMUJNFTUVEZ 'BDVMUZPG4DJFODF l.BTUFSPG1IJMPTPQIZ .1IJM SFTFBSDIEFHSFFXJUIBDPVSTFXPSL 5 DPNQPOFOUUPEFWFMPQSFTFBSDIDPNQFUFODFJOBMJNJUFEUJNFGSBNF ZFBS &TDJFODF!VOTXFEVBV GVMMUJNFTUVEZ XXXTDJFODFVOTXFEVBV 1PTUHSBEVBUF$PVSTFXPSL1SPHSBNT 5IF'BDVMUJFTPG&OHJOFFSJOHBOE4DJFODFBMTPPGGFSQPTUHSBEVBUF DPVSTFXPSLQSPHSBNTBOEDPOUJOVJOHFEVDBUJPOGPSQSPGFTTJPOBMT8FDBUFS GPSQFPQMFXJUIBXJEFSBOHFPGCBDLHSPPVOETBOEFYQFSJFODF BOEQSPWJEF PQQPSUVOJUJFTGPSDSPTTUSBJOJOHBOESFUSBJOJOH0VSQSPHSBNTSFæFDUUIF MBUFTUEJTDPWFSJFTBOEDPOUFNQPSBSZJOEVTUSJBMBOEFOWJSPONFOUBMOFFET CLIMATE CHANGE The widening scope of climate change Warming has already taken the planet into a condition where human experience no longer provides a reliable indication of the future By Graeme Pearman [email protected] was anticipated for the future but not previously n recent decades research has shown clearly that observed; the Earth is warming and that this warming is òregions of low productivity appear to be increasing largely due to carbon dioxide (CO2) and other in the north and south Atlantic and Pacific oceans, greenhouse gases that have increased in the atmo- consistent with greater stability of the warmer ocean Isphere due to human activities. We now have some con- surface; and fidence that we can anticipate future warming and con- òanticipated rates of change of temperature and sea comitant changes to climate. In responding to global level have under-predicted what has now occurred, warming we have several options and challenges, some possibly reflecting a tendency for scientific conserva- of which are briefly considered below. tism. These findings remind us that the warming has -al What the science has and ready taken the planet into a condition where human has not told us experience no longer provides a reliable indication of The knowledge of climate change contained within the future. It also reminds us that we may have limited peer-reviewed scientific publications is periodically predictability particularly of the non-linear responses assessed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate of both the physical and biological world of what, until Change (IPCC). For example, in the first part of now, have been regarded by the wider community as IPCC’s recent report (February 2007), 750 authors as- ‘small’ climatic changes. sessed the underpinning science of climate change by We hear that ‘the science is now in’. This is as if, examining 6000 journal articles, approximately half of somehow, there was a point at which we did not know which were published since 2001. anything about the issue, and then it all became clear. New research published in recent months has Of course this is absurd. There was no such point, nor heightened concern about the probability of faster and will there be. more intrusive change than anticipated just a year ago. For example, the complexity of responses of ecosys- For example: tems to climate change and the huge numbers of spe- òobserved changes to biological systems (migration, cies involved means it is unlikely that we will anticipate breeding/flowering times, behaviour, fecundity, ge- many of the biological changes that will result from netics) appear to have been a response to changed planetary warming. Strategic planning and decision- climate; making need to incorporate flexibility in the face of òa 20 per cent decrease in Arctic sea-ice extent last such uncertainty. northern hemisphere summer raises the possibility We must continue to build our knowledge as best that this ice sheet may disappear earlier than 2050, as we can and ensure that mechanisms exist for that knowl- the IPPC projected, with consequences for econom- edge to be applied to decision-making in a timely way. ic and political instability now being considered; Increasingly, that knowledge is not just about pushing òglobal CO2 emissions continue to grow at a rate that the frontiers of particular disciplines, but about the in- is at the high end of projections; tegration of physical, biological, social, technological òthe capacity of the oceans to absorb CO2 has de- and economic knowledge into reasoned options for the creased over the past two decades, something that management of businesses and state jurisdictions. FOCUS www.atse.org.au 5 CLIMATE CHANGE Understanding probabilities and the sharing of water between irrigation, river flow for managing risk natural ecosystems, power generation and potable use. When scientists conduct experiments or examine data It has implications for the use of rural land for produc- they choose the probability of between 95 and 99 per tion, for food prices and for food-commodity exports. cent certainty to reject or accept a hypothesis. Yet these Embedded in this complexity are unanswered stra- probabilities have little to do with the probability used tegic questions such as: in risk assessment, which is inversely related to the de- òIs it therefore advisable to embark on the develop- gree of impact. ment of a biofuel industry? For example, we are not 99 per cent certain that the òHow do we balance the many adaptive options, such current Australian drought
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Reclink Annual Report 2016-17
    , Annual Report 2016 -17 Partners Contents Our Mission 3 State Reports 12 About Reclink Australia 3 AAA Play 18 Why We Exist 4 Art Therapy 20 What We Do 5 Reclink Mumbai 20 Measuring Results and Impacts 6 Events, Fundraising and Volunteers 21 Transformational Links, Training Our Activities 28 and Education 7 Our Members 30 Corporate Governance 7 Gratitude 32 SROI Report 8 Our National Footprint 34 Founders Message 10 Reclink Australia Staff 35 Community Partners 11 Contact Us 35 Notice of 2017 Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting for Members 1. Confirmation of the minutes of the last Annual of Reclink Australia will be held at General Meeting held on 23 November, 2016. Reclink, South Melbourne at 9.30am 2. To receive the Report and Financial Statements on Wednesday 22 November, 2017. for the year that ended 30 June, 2017. 3. General business. 2 RECLINK AUSTRALIA – REBUILDING LIVES THROUGH SPORT AND ARTS Our Mission Respond. Rebuild. Reconnect. We seek to give all participants the power of purpose. About Reclink Australia Reclink Australia is a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to enhance the lives of people experiencing disadvantage or facing significant barriers to participation, through providing new and unique sports, specialist recreation and arts programs, and pathways to employment opportunities. We target some of the community’s most vulnerable and isolated people; at risk youth, those experiencing mental illness, people with a disability, the homeless, people tackling alcohol and other drug issues and social and economic hardship. As part of our unique hub and spoke network model, Reclink Australia has facilitated cooperative partnerships with a membership of more than 220 community, government and private organisations.
    [Show full text]
  • Submission to Senate Inquiry Inquiry Into Current and Future Impacts of Climate Change on Housing, Buildings and Infrastructure
    A group of concerned Engineers and Scientists Submission to Senate Inquiry Inquiry into current and future impacts of climate change on housing, buildings and infrastructure August 2017 About Us We are a group of concerned engineers and scientists. The professional interests of our group include the planning, design and operation of potable and irrigation water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems and in the planning, design and operation of other infrastructure that may be exposed to risks from inundation by stormwater and flooding. Our planning and design work considers how we can make infrastructure operate in a robust and resilient manner across the spectrum of hydro-climatic conditions that are likely to be encountered, which often leads us to a particular focus on the extreme wet and dry ends of this range. The views that we have provided in this submission are our own and do not necessarily represent the views of our employers or other organisations that we may be affiliated with. Name and qualifications Position(s) and Organisation(s) Phillip Jordan, B.Eng.(Civil), Ph.D., Principal Hydrologist, Hydrology and Risk Consulting, and C.P.Eng., M.I.E.Aust., R.P.E.Q. Fellow of the Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust Michael Wrathall, B.Eng.(Civil), Manager Knowledge Coordination, NSW DPI Water, and Fellow C.P.Eng., M.I.E.Aust. of the Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust Richard Cresswell, B.Sc.(Hons), Principal Hydrogeologist & Water Discipline Lead, Eco Logical M.Sc., Ph.D., M.Aus.I.M.M., J.P. Australia, Fellow of the Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust (Qual) Katherine Daniell Senior Lecturer, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The B.Eng.(Civil)(Hons), B.A., Ph.D., Australian National University and Fellow of the Peter Cullen M.I.E.Aust.
    [Show full text]
  • Chief Executive's Report
    CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT research to industry and students.The White Paper on research training offers some good initiatives that should help improve research training, but fails to provide the additional funds so desperately needed to replace ageing infrastructure, retain and attract top quality staff and make postgraduate work attractive to students. As the World becomes an ever more competitive information society this dumbing down of Australia is inexplicable and dangerous. It is even more puzzling when one realises that so many other countries with which we compete are dramatically increasing their investment in science and research. The Centre continues to be an exciting and vibrant organisation, committed to making a difference. This comes about because of the energy, enthusiasm and talent of the staff and graduate students who have a commitment to collaborative research that can be used by the water industry. The good will of so many people has been critical in getting us through this start-up phase. Special thanks must go to our Board and in particular our Chairman, Dr John Langford. Dr Langford has not only led the Board with distinction, but provided much wise counsel to me as Chief Executive. Board members have been able to provide wise and effective governance for the Centre as an organisation committed to improving the waterways of Australia. Professor Peter Cullen Chief Executive 10 CRCFE Annual Report 1999–2000 1 STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The management of the Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology is designed to maximise the strengths of its member organisations. It does this by facilitating collaboration between staff across sites and research programs, and emphasising education, communication and knowledge exchange.
    [Show full text]
  • Fellows Session 2015 Fellows Graduation
    BRI D GING NEWSLETTER OF THE Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust Autumn 2015 ISSN 2200-1654 www.petercullentrust.com.au No. 14 Riversymposium 2015 The future of the National Water Fellows session Initiative? Science in policy? The 18th International Riversymposium in Brisbane this Leadership learnings. year, 21–23 September, is about ‘Healthy rivers – healthy economies’. The Peter Cullen Trust Fellows are running one Three reports by the 2014 Fellows of the advertised special sessions: ‘Promoting leadership – Multiple paths leading in one direction’. During the Science-to-Policy Leadership Program, the participants work together to research and deliberate on This session title reflects the Peter Cullen Trust’s mission and one or more particular issues, bringing together their various philosophy; namely, that respectful, informed and meaningful viewpoints and backgrounds in a true ‘bridging’ collaboration. collaboration is the key to responsible and sustainable water management, now and in the future. The 72 Fellows of the The 2014 participants, now the 2014 Peter Cullen Trust Peter Cullen Trust work together as the Peter Cullen Trust Fellows, have produced three reports (summarised on page 2) National Fellows Network (PCTNFN) to promote inclusive on the issues they worked on during last year’s program. The leadership and informed mutual support and debate. reports will be published on the Peter Cullen Trust website. In the Riversymposium session, three Fellows from the ...continued next page PCTNFN will discuss their current projects and case studies, as well as the role the Trust’s Science-to-Policy Leadership ProgramNo. 01 has played in their approach to work. The Fellows will demonstrate that with the right support 2015 Fellows graduation and opportunities, already talented people can achieve great success by building upon the strengths of professional The annual graduation of the new Peter Cullen relationships.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Futures for South Australia
    Flinders Research Centre for Coastal and Catchment Environments Schultz Oration 16 November 2007 Confronting Water Scarcity: Water Futures for South Australia Peter Cullen Adelaide Thinker in Residence, 2004 Introduction In 2004 I had the pleasure of living in Adelaide as Thinker in Residence, and was able to talk with many people about water, always a matter of great interest to South Australians. In my Thinker’s report to the people of Adelaide I said “The stark situation is that Adelaide is facing a squeeze on its available water, and that it would be prudent for the state to be considering how it will meet this demand, especially if additional water is either not available from the River Murray, or more likely is excessively saline for domestic use. Contingency planning should be underway for a situation when the River Murray cannot sustain the city.” This situation has now arisen. The MDBC Drought Contingency report last month showed salinity levels at Morgan had already almost doubled. While keeping them within drinking water levels is a management priority that guides releases from upstream storages, there is little water available and SA is not getting its normal MDB entitlement due to lack of water. Let me commend the MDBC for its drought reports available on its web site. But unless there is significant rain in the upper catchments there is every likelihood that salinity levels will make water in the Murray unsuitable for drinking early next year, and the rising salinity is likely to lead to fish kills and other water quality problems in the Lower River and Lakes.
    [Show full text]
  • Annu Al Report
    Peter Cullen Trust: Annual Report 19–20 19— 20 ANNUAL REPORT ANNUAL A Our Inspiration Professor Peter Cullen The late Professor Peter Cullen AO (1943-2008) was a water scientist with a superb capacity to synthesise and communicate complex ideas in a simple, clear way to local communities, policy makers and politicians. Peter made an enormous contribution to the management of water resources in Australia and was instrumental in elevating the need for water reform to a topic of national debate. He was highly influential in Australian government decisions to invest at unprecedented levels in the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the National Water Initiative, and the National Plan for Water Security. Our Patron The Reverend Vicky Cullen The Trust acknowledges and thanks our Patron, the Reverend Vicky Cullen, for her generous and ongoing support. Vicky has been an outstanding advocate for her late husband’s work, a regular speaker and VIP at Trust events and a generous donor over many years. Vicky’s donations allow the Trust to provide full scholarships to Indigenous Australian applicants and others on our Science to Policy and Women in Water Programs each year. The Peter Cullen Trust acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. Peter Cullen Trust: Annual Report 19–20 About the Trust The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust is a For over 10 years the Trust has supported community registered Australian Charity with a mission to bridge leaders and professionals to build their leadership the gap between science and policy in the water and capabilities so they can more effectively manage environment sector.
    [Show full text]
  • Building a Bright Future for Victoria
    MASTERS OF CEREMONY • Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University • Mr Andrew Holden, Editor-in-Chief, The Age SPEAKERS Opening Keynote: The Hon. Richard Wynne MP, Minister for Planning Session 1: What will Melbourne look like in 2050? Chair: Ms Kate Roffey, CEO, Committee for Melbourne 1. Professor Roz Hansen, Urban and Regional Planner 2. Ms Jane Nathan, President, Australian Population Institute 3. Reverend Ric Holland, CEO, Melbourne City Mission Session 2: How can we plan Melbourne for 2050? Chair: Mr Tony De Domenico, Chair, Places Victoria 1. Professor Bruce Rasmussen, Director, Victoria Institute of Strategic Economic Studies, Victoria University 2. Mr Peter Seamer, CEO, Melbourne Planning Authority 3. Ms Kate Roffey, CEO, Committee for Melbourne Session 3: Is it possible to ensure an inclusive and harmonious big city? Chair: Mr Clay Lucas, City Editor, The Age 1. Professor Michele Grossman, Director, Centre for Cultural Diversity and Wellbeing, Victoria University 2. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp, Victoria Police 3. Mr John Daley, CEO, Grattan Institute 4. Professor Carolyn Whitzman, Professor in Urban Planning, The University of Melbourne Session 4: A smart future for Melbourne (including lunch) Chair: Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University Mr Ken Boal, Vice-President, Australia and New Zealand, Cisco Systems Session 5: Healthy and Green in 2050 Chair: Professor John Thwaites, Chairman, Monash Sustainability Institute and ClimateWorks Australia 1. Ms Yvonne Lynch, Team Leader, Future Melbourne, City of Melbourne 2. Professor Stephen Gray, Director, Institute for Sustainability and Innovation, Victoria University 3. Professor Billie Giles-Corti, Director, McCaughey VicHealth Community Wellbeing Unit, The University of Melbourne 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Speaking Notes on the Canberra Launch of This Land Our Water
    Dr John Williams’ speaking notes on the Canberra launch of This Land Our Water Date: 24 June 2011 Time: 10.30 AM Venue: CSIRO Discovery 10.30 AM 1 Introduction to Book Two chapters of Introduction and Context by Vicky Cullen. Some 24 papers set down in 6 sections: . Knowledge needed to manage water systems . The big story on water- o the issues and o acting for the future . Urban Water . Water in the landscape . How to influence policy With some 36 vignettes from Peter’s students and his network of colleagues and friends from Prime Minister, academics, water managers, community leaders and thinkers from all walks of life. All this brings the book alive…for its all about people, place, policy and politics embedded in a layout of beautiful photographs, diagrams, sketches and cartoons. It’s a most attractive stimulating… a must read book for everybody. Content of the Book What’s the book about? There is a lot about Peter Cullen the man…how he thought…what he said…and ultimately who he was. “What made Peter Cullen the man of our time is that he stood up…at great personal cost…to those vested interests intent on destroying what he valued.” This book has then powerful messages to us from Peter…messages from those very productive last two three years of his life… Peter words are now more relevant today than they were when he first wrote them. If ever there was a time …it is now when we should 2 listen to those messages, reflect on them, take action and stand firm to the wisdom he left us and which is laid bare in this book.
    [Show full text]
  • Contributors
    Contributors Dr Onil Banerjee Onil is a Postdoctoral Fellow with CSIRO’s Natural Resource Economics and Decision Science Group. His research interests include economy-wide natural- resource policy modelling and development. Dr Rosalind Bark Rosalind is a resource/ecological economist with CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences working to synthesise socioeconomic research in policy analysis. Henning Bjornlund Henning Bjornlund holds two academic positions: at Canada Research Water Policy and Management at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, and as an Associate Research Professor at the University of South Australia. He has researched water-management and policy issues in Australia since 1993 and in Canada since 2005. Leith Boully Leith Boully and her family operate a grazing, dryland farming and irrigation property near Dirranbandi in Queensland. She is an Adjunct Professor with the School of Agriculture and Food Science at the University of Queensland and has had a long involvement in water-resource management at the local, State and national levels, including as Chairwoman of the Community Advisory Committee to the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council from 1999 to 2005 and as a founding member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists. Dr Donna Brennan Donna was an independent consultant and held an adjunct Senior Lecturer position at the School of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of Western Australia, as well as an honorary position at the Crawford School of Economics and Government at The Australian National University. Previously she has worked at the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the University of Sydney, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and CSIRO Land and Water.
    [Show full text]
  • What's Happening in Water Research at the University of Adelaide
    Newsletter July 2007 What’s happening in water research at the University of Adelaide Water features prominently in news stories, as the effect of drought In this issue: deepens in the Murray-Darling • Water Research Cluster News Basin and unprecedented water • Water Research Cluster Activities restrictions apply in most capital • Water News Updates cities. The Water Research Cluster continues to develop partnerships • Water Research Cluster Postgraduate Corner: Learning Project Management Skills for research projects in water- • Prizes and Awards related fields, and to promote knowledge of current water • National Water Commission News issues. This Newsletter provides • Water Conference & Seminar Diary a summary of current activities by • Water Research Links – Funding Opportunities, the Water Research Cluster and Grants, Jobs and Scholarships related news items on the context • Water Organisation Links for water management. • Water Information Links • Who is the Water Research Cluster? Panorama of Blue Lake, Stradbroke Is. Queensland, which is the focus of a Water Research Cluster project. Photo: Ashley Natt This edition edited by Anne E Jensen, Environmental Consultant: contact [email protected] mobile 0407 170 706 Water Research Cluster News by Dr Paul Dalby, Water Research Cluster Coordinator Australian Ecosystem Observation Network (AEON) Multiple Project Successes Professor Wayne Meyer from the University of Adelaide has been co-chairing a Steering for Geographical and Group with Andy Lowe (DEH and University of Adelaide) to develop a business case for Environmental Studies a Hub of the Australian Ecosystem Observation Network (AEON) to be based around Chowilla, a major wetland complex that is part of the River Murray in South Australia, NSW researchers and Victoria.
    [Show full text]
  • Established Under the Australian Government's Cooperative
    FRESHWATER ECOLOGY Established under the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Program FRESHWATER ECOLOGY VISION The Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology exists to improve the health of Australia’s inland waters. MISSION The Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology (CRCFE) provides ecological understanding to improve inland waters by collaborative research, education and resource management. OBJECTIVES To conduct high quality research that contributes to scientific understanding of aquatic ecosystems. To provide stress-response relations for a variety of natural and human-induced disturbances on aquatic ecosystems. To use research findings to provide better predictive tools and strategies for those using and managing land and water resources; to work collaboratively with managers in the conduct and implementation of our research. To provide an avenue to international science to ensure relevant new approaches and techniques are available in Australia, and to contribute our work internationally. To exploit the synergies available within the Cover images Trout Cod, Macchullochella macquariensis, CRCFE from the range of scientific disciplines an endangered native fish. Photo: G Schmida represented by conducting effective collaborative Purple swamphen (Western form). research that looks at whole ecosystems. Photo: A Tatnell Paperbark swamp, Northern NSW. Photo: A Tatnell ISSN 1327 1342 . ANNUAL REPORT 1999 – 2000 Freshwater Ecology Freshwater Cooperative Research Centre for Centre Research Cooperative
    [Show full text]
  • Sharing Our Knowledge
    Chapter 7 Sharing Our Knowledge In recognising the importance of community understanding and knowledge in achieving its objectives, the CRC for Freshwater Ecology places a strong emphasis on communicating its research activities and findings to a broad audience. The CRCFE has been very successful in achieving a high profile within the Australian water industry. It is recognised by government agencies and politicians as a reputable source of information and makes a significant contribution community understanding through training presentations and discussions with community groups such as Landcare and Streamwatch. Sue Cunningham (right) explains how ‘bugs’ are being used to assess the health of rivers throughout 7.1Public awareness Australia to community representatives who attended the launch of the ACT Government’s Stormwater kit, held at the CRC for Freshwater Ecology. Public Displays Photo: Karen Markwort The Lower Basin Laboratory (LBL) staff The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research attended the Wentworth Show with a display Centre opened its doors to the public and on bug identification, carp tasting and general secondary schools on November 28–29. A information, August 23–24. reception was held for local dignitaries on the • The LBL held a display of native fish at the 28th. Mildura Plaza, October 11. • MDFRC staff attended the Hume Weir • Ben Gawne participated in the launch of a Open Day with a display profiling the carp cook book by the Department of Land CRCFE’s activities and products. and Water Conservation. The launch was • MDFRC staff also took part in the Catch-A- held at the Sydney Fish Markets during Carp activities held in Albury as part of August.
    [Show full text]