The Rudd Government will provide $10 million over four years to establish research networks investigating the effects of climate change on areas such as water resources, human health, emergency services, infrastructure and biodiversity.
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said today the seven new ‘adaptation research networks’ will foster critical research into the effects of climate change.
“The Rudd Government has a comprehensive plan to respond to the challenge of climate change,” Senator Wong said.
“Reducing emissions through the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is a critical part of that.
“However, we also need to be prepared to adapt to changes in the climate that we can’t avoid due to the level of carbon pollution already in the atmosphere.
“Taking action now to reduce the future impact of climate change on our communities, environment and industries is a critical pillar of our strategy.”
Senator Wong said the networks would bring together the best brains in Australia to advance our understanding of how specific sectors and regions will be affected by climate change and what action is needed to reduce the risks.
The networks will be part of the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, hosted by Griffith University, which is leading Australia’s climate change adaptation research effort.
These institutions will host each of the networks below and will be awarded the amounts indicated for four years:
• Terrestrial Biodiversity - James Cook University - $400,000 per year
• Water Resources and Freshwater Biodiversity - Griffith University - $400,000 per year
• Marine Biodiversity and Resources - University of Tasmania - $400,000 per year
• Settlements and Infrastructure - University of NSW - $447,000 per year
• Disaster Management and Emergency Services - RMIT University - $205,000 per year
• Social, Economic and Institutional Dimensions - University of Melbourne - $376,000 per year
• Health - Australian National University - $240,000 per year