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About CSIRO

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

CSIRO's core areas of impact

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Understanding our Changing Climate

Understanding how the earth’s climate system functions by measuring, modelling and analysing changes improves our ability to reduce the causes of climate change and plan for its impacts.

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/resources/Climate-questions-science-facts.html A diagram of ocean currents around Australia. Sharing answers to common questions in the media, CSIRO scientists lay out the facts.
/people/Wenju.Cai.html Image of Dr Wenju Cai Using climate change and variability predictions to maximise water use opportunities.
/multimedia/Methane-Clathrate.html Air preserved for thousands of years in polar ice. Massive quantities of the potent greenhouse gas methane are locked away in permafrost and in the ocean floors.
/news/Improved-climate-change-projections-SE-Asia.html A 60 km-resolution grid used by the CSIRO-CCAM climate model to simulate future climate change over Indonesia. Developing detailed climate change projections for Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

CSIRO's research is focused on the following:

The Marine National Facility RV Southern Surveyor.

The dynamic ocean: building foundations for climate, national security and sustainable marine industries
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A map showing global ocean temperature gradients.

Researching our climate and weather
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CSIRO researchers use 'flux tower' to measure the exchange of water and carbon dioxide in native eucalypt forests.

Understanding the connections between land and atmosphere
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CSIRO's Living Atmosphere Research Theme - science for the responsible use of the atmosphere and its interactions with the Earth.

Understanding our living atmosphere
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Mt Redoubt eruption, 1989, Alaska

Research to assist climate decision-making
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CSIRO scientists have been contributing to the growing body of knowledge about climate change globally and in the Australian region for more than 50 years through research into our climate system.

 Second Level:
Understanding our Changing Climate
Index of understanding our changing climate related information:
  • A flock of birds (Banded Stilt) in a wetland environment.

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

  • Lake George, NSW.

    CSIRO Land and Water is researching ways to better manage Australia's land and water resources, and improve the quality of our natural and built environments.

  • Carbon dioxide emissions from human activities increased by 2 per cent in 2008.

    Despite the economic effects of the global financial crisis (GFC), carbon dioxide emissions from human activities rose 2 per cent in 2008 to an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year, according to a paper published today in Nature Geoscience.

  • A map of areas in Sydney which could be vulnerable to climate change.

    A team of CSIRO, University of the Sunshine Coast, WWF and Sydney Coastal Councils Group researchers has been awarded a prestigious Australian Museum Eureka Prize for advising Sydney councils about how they might adapt to climate change.

  • Jets of particles streaming from a galaxy.

    Find out about saving the world in this free lecture for high school science teachers and senior science students in New South Wales.

  • Impression of a robotic float transmitting to a ground receiving station via a satellite.

    See how a world-wide array of robotic floats is providing scientists with data about the ocean and helping them to understand the ocean’s role in climate, and to better forecast climate and ocean conditions. CSIRO is providing a valuable contribution to this project. (2:00)

  • Image of sun rising, a chunk of ice in foreground.

    On 13 October, Professor Lawrence Mysak presented the 2009 Priestley Lecture at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research in Aspendale, Victoria. Watch his presentation in the video (62:48) or download the PowerPoint slides (49 pages).

  • A diagram of ocean currents around Australia.

    Our understanding of climate change science has a significant influence on discussions and decisions about reducing net greenhouse gas emissions. Early knowledge of the likely scale and the speed of climate impacts shapes our adaptation plans.

  • A photograph of land with crops in the foreground and some trees in background.

    An analysis of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Biosequestration Opportunities from Rural Land Use. This report estimates the amount of greenhouse gases that can be stored or mitigated by changes in rural land use in Queensland and more broadly, Australia.

Contact

Dr Simon Torok
Communication and Marketing Manager
Marine & Atmospheric Research
Phone: 61 3 9239 4645 
Alt Phone: 61 4 0984 4302 
Fax: 61 3 9239 4444 
Ms Meg Rive (BSc (Hons I) LLB)
Communication Manager
Wealth from Oceans Flagship
Phone: 61 3 9239 4433 
Alt Phone: 61 4 3800 7301 
Fax: 61 3 9239 4444