Scientists researching in Antarctic to learn more about ice sheet retreat. Photo: Nick Morgan/ #AusAntarctic
Nearly 500 polar experts from around the country are in Hobart for a national emergency summit on Antarctica.
The Australian Antarctic Research Conference is being held at the University of Tasmania and runs from today to Friday.
Conference steering committee chairman Prof Nathan Bindoff says the summit is timely as it is the first meeting of national Antarctic researchers in more than 10 years.
“At a time when we’re seeing rapid and extreme climate-related changes in and around the icy continent—like record lows in sea-ice extent and unprecedented heatwaves—scientists are holding a national emergency summit about Antarctica’s future,” he says.
Pro Bindoff says the conference has two themes: the impact of global warming on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and the critical roles of the region in the global climate system.
“The future of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the implications of melting for global sea-level rise is central to Australia’s coastal management as well as the welfare of the world’s population,” Prof Bindoff says.
“We aim to highlight the importance of Antarctic and Southern Ocean science for informing climate policy and emission reduction targets, and discuss what policy makers need from our research community.”
A conference objective is to develop greater collaboration between institutions and across all disciplines.
The program takes in features a career development day for young researchers, a science comedy night for the public, an Antarctic women’s networking event and tours of the RSV Nuyina icebreaker.
GATEWAY CALL
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the conference’s choice of host city strengthens the state’s claim as the world’s best Antarctic gateway.
“As one of only five gateways to the Antarctic globally, bringing so many experts and decision makers together in Tasmania’s capital is a sure sign in the confidence in our reputation as a leader in Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and support services,” he says.
“Our researchers are recognised globally as leaders in their field.”
He was also keen to highlight the economic impact of the conference.
“The Antarctic sector contributes $183 million each year to the Tasmanian economy, and it employs almost 1000 people. We want to see it grow further,” Rockliff says.
“Events like the Australian Antarctic Research Conference add to our wider business events sector which generates around $199 million a year to our state, bringing in 51,733 conference delegates with an average of 4.7 nights stayed in our state for each delegate.
“These are the reasons we have kicked off a dedicated campaign to attract more Antarctic events and activities to Hobart including conferences, investment and international Antarctic missions.”
The conference is jointly sponsored by the Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP), ARC Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science (ACEAS), Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF) and Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).
For more information on the conference, go to aappartnership.org.au/aarc-2024
