Leading scientists gather to discuss climate change

Leading scientists gather to discuss climate change

Leading scientists gather to discuss climate change

This month in the northern hemisphere carbon dioxide (CO2) levels reached 400 parts per million (ppm) – a significant milestone. The last time the concentration of Earth's main greenhouse gas reached this mark, is thought to be about 3 million years ago.

NIWA’s Principal Scientist, Atmospheric Emissions, Mike Harvey says it will not be long before New Zealand also reaches this mark. Air monitoring at Baring Head in Wellington shows CO2 levels are rising at a rate of 2 ppm per year, we are likely to reach 400 ppm in about 4 years time.

Dr Harvey says that increasing CO2 levels are being driven by fossil fuel emissions. “We are at a point in the Earth’s history where we have to completely change and to do this we need a global effort to reduce fossil fuel emissions through the development of alternate energy strategies.”

Tomorrow leading New Zealand and international scientists are coming together at the New Zealand Climate Change Centre Conference to discuss the results of their latest research.

Dr Harvey’s presentation will look at the 40 years of data recorded at Baring Head and what it may mean for the future. Baring Head has been measuring levels of CO2 in the atmosphere continuously since 1972. It is the longest CO2 record in the Southern Hemisphere.

“It is very important that climate change researchers working in different disciplines get together to share their thoughts and research, then discuss and debate issues.

“It is important for New Zealander’s to know what influence climate change could be having on our weather and how it could affect rural and urban living. We need to know what changes we might have to make to ensure our resilience and that our infrastructure can cope.”

One way scientists are learning more about the impact of climate change is by using models that show future possible scenarios of what the climate may be like in the future. Modelling experts will discuss their findings at the conference.
Other NIWA presentations include:
• Principal Scientist Dr Andrew Tait presenting research on how climate change is likely to impact on flooding in New Zealand towns and cities, using Westport as an example, so Councils can plan better for the potential effects that climate change may bring.
• Marine chemist Dr Kim Currie who is looking at how the ocean uptakes atmospheric CO2 which causes more acidity in the marine environment with possible impacts on our local shellfish.
• Modeller Dr Sam Dean who will use the Golden Bay deluge in December 2011 as an example of the impact that climate change may have on extreme weather events in New Zealand.
• Coastal specialist Dr Rob Bell discussing the latest science on sea level rise and how projections for New Zealand can be used in managing coastal development.
The New Zealand Climate Change Conference is held on June 4 – 5 in Palmerston North.

For more information, including the full programme of speakers, visit:
www.nzcccconference.org
ENDS

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