Understanding Climate Change

CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences (CES) conducts research and development across a range of disciplines, targeting social, economic and environmental sustainability.

The Environment Group aims to support the development of production sectors while at the same time minimising current and potential adverse environmental impacts.

Scientists are reporting significant changes in the distribution of coastal fish species in south-east Australia which they say are partly due to climate change.

The first international conference held in Australia to discuss the science and options for adapting to climate change begins on the Gold Coast on Tuesday 29 June.

The 2009 Priestley Lecture will be delivered by Professor Lawrence Mysak at Aspendale on Tuesday, 13 October.

Our research guides operational water resources management and strategic planning.

Tackling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is considered to be one of the most serious national and international challenges of our time. Australia has a sizable potential to sequester carbon and mitigate GHG in agricultural production and land use systems.

We focus on finding new, integrated ways to manage our water supply and water resources issues. This includes land use change, salinity, climate change, groundwater extraction and drainage schemes. 

CSIRO’s understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on natural and planted forests is helping forestry and natural resource managers prepare for the future.

CSIRO scientists are observing changes in ocean temperatures, ocean chemistry and global sea levels. The impact of climate change on marine biodiversity is becoming more apparent. To reduce this impact, urgent action needs to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilise global warming. (7:54)

The first-ever Australian benchmark of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and options for adaptation is the work of more than 70 marine scientists. (4:23)

Dr Steve Rintoul is a Research Team Leader at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research. He is internationally recognised as a leading authority on the circulation of the Southern Ocean and how it affects global climate systems.

Dr England undertook a Flagship Fellowship in 2005-06 to determine the influence of climate change in the Southern Ocean on Australian weather patterns.

Australia’s two lead climate science agencies – the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology - have produced a snapshot of the state of the climate to update Australians about how their climate has changed and what it means. (6 pages)

Farming Ahead magazine regularly features CSIRO's research for the agricultural sector. This is a list of CSIRO articles published in the magazine throughout 2010.

Australia’s two lead climate science agencies – the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology - have produced a snapshot of the state of the climate to update Australians about how their climate has changed and what it means.

This report examines the potential impact of climate change on weeds in South Australia and adaptation options for weed control strategies.