|
Published: 20 October 2014
Australian plan looks to the next 20 years in Antarctica
The CEO of the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE CRC), Professor Tony Worby, has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan.
|
|
Antarctica: Australia has a major stake in Antarctica, and scientists say our research program should reflect our responsibility to better understand and protect the Antarctic environment. Credit: Dave Pape
|
Professor Worby said Australia’s responsibilities in the Antarctic were highly significant and that a long term, strategic approach to funding was critical.
‘The report presents a comprehensive roadmap for Australia’s presence in the Antarctic for the next two decades and clearly acknowledges the importance of science in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean,’ said Prof. Worby.
‘Having a long-term plan for Australia’s presence in the Antarctic is essential, and the release of this report is a strong demonstration of the Government’s commitment to Antarctic leadership.
‘Australia can be proud of its record as a global leader in Antarctic science, but the sector is facing some significant challenges, including the high cost of logistics and marine science in the Antarctic.
‘Australia has a major stake in the Antarctic, and it is crucial that our research program is commensurate with our responsibilities for understanding and protecting the Antarctic environment.
‘Our scientists today are working to understand why the Southern Ocean is becoming warmer, fresher and more acidic, and what implications this will have for Antarctic ice shelves, sea level and the world’s climate and ecosystems.
‘The ACE CRC looks forward to examining the report in greater detail and to the government’s response over the coming months.’
Source: ACE CRC
