Dr Penny Whetton – Prize recognition coincides with an increasing desire for information on climate change

Climate scientists share in Nobel Peace Prize

Reference: 07/204

Australian scientists who have been leading contributors to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have been recognised for the crucial part they played in the award of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize to the IPCC.

• 16 October 2007

In a letter to lead and convening lead authors, the Chair of the IPCC, Dr Rajendra Pachauri, wrote: “I have been stunned in a pleasant way with the news of the award of the Nobel Peace Prize for the IPCC.

“This makes each of you Nobel Laureates and it is my privilege to acknowledge this honour on your behalf. The fact that the IPCC has earned the recognition that this award embodies, is really a tribute to your knowledge, hard work and application,” Dr Pachauri said.

The IPCC and the maker of the widely acclaimed documentary on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth – former US Vice President, Al Gore – were jointly awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

In the case of the IPCC, the Prize was awarded for more than 20 years of climate research by many hundreds of climate and environmental scientists.

Contributing to the IPCC process has been a major undertaking by CSIRO with a commitment of considerable financial and human resources during the past 20 years.

The leader of CSIRO’s Climate Change Impact and Risks group, Dr Penny Whetton, said Australian scientists have made a substantial contribution to the present level of understanding concerning climate change and the influence of rising greenhouse gas concentrations.

“Australian science through CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, universities and the private research sector has committed considerable resources to the IPCC process since it began in 1987,” Dr Whetton said. “Recognition at this level is important and it coincides with a rapidly increasing desire for information about climate change, mitigation and how Australians can adapt.”

Among lead authors for the IPCC’s 2007 Fourth Assessment report were: CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) scientists Kevin Hennessy, Roger Jones, Penny Whetton, Ian Watterson and Barrie Pittock based at Aspendale; Bryson Bates at Floreat in Perth; Nathan Bindoff, who also works for the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystem CRC in Hobart; and CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystem scientist, Mark Howden. Other senior CMAR scientists, such as John Church and Paul Fraser, also made a major contribution to earlier IPCC reports.

CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Garrett, said the award recognised the unstinting professionalism exercised by climate change scientists at CSIRO and other major Australian research institutions in investigating one of the world’s most pressing problems. “It is a great honour for the individuals involved and also reflects well on the dedication with which CSIRO pursues advances in scientific knowledge for humanity as a whole,” Dr Garrett said.

More than 100 Australian experts, authors, contributors and reviewers have been involved in this process since 2001, including 35 CSIRO scientists. The scientists are drawn from the nation’s primary climate and environmental research and management agencies including CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Australian Antarctic Division, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystem CRC and leading universities. The Australian Greenhouse Office has provided considerable funding to assist CSIRO authors attend meetings and workshops involved in the development of the IPCC process.

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