Issue 236: Climate feature

Dr Helen Cleugh is still motivated by lessons learned back on the family farm in central Otago. She's now leading CSIRO's Climate Science Centre.

Simulating the Earth’s myriad physical, chemical and biological processes is a big ask. But it must be done if we are to work out how what we do today will change the future climate. Thanks to this Australian ‘earth system model’, we’re getting a clearer picture of what’s ahead.

Contrary to popular belief, the ozone hole does not reach Australia. But its effects are felt the world over. CSIRO scientists are creating a climate-chemistry model that will lead global science on the ozone hole recovery.

New satellite data show in unprecedented detail the flow of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. We might soon have signatures of individual power stations.

Understanding potential greenhouse gas impacts of the coal seam gas industry can help inform future decisions, including better understanding of methane.

Following decades of heavy trawling off the north-west shelf of Australia in the 1970s and 1980s, researchers are back to assess how the region has recovered, providing scientific advice to guide sustainable fishing practices both in Australia and internationally.

A paper published in Nature Climate Change has revealed the importance of regional differences in sea surface temperature variability in determining the global distribution of coral bleaching risk.