Climate change

The Totten Glacier with blue sky and ocean.

Unravelling ENSO mysteries on ice

A new study reveals that projected changes in the tropical Pacific can influence the Southern Ocean: specifically, an increasingly stronger El Niño may accelerate the melting of Antarctica's ice shelves and ice sheets.

A pelican standing in water

Gippsland Lakes face increased threats caused by climate change

By 2050, the Gippsland Lakes could experience temperature increases of 1.6 degrees Celsius, sea-level rise of 25 centimetres and more frequent bushfires. So what can be done to protect the site?

A bird's-eye-view of the Kenaook Cape Grim station on the edge of a cliff, with ocean below.

Methane levels and the role of science in mitigation

The recent, rapid rise in levels of methane in our atmosphere is causing concern among scientists. So why is it happening?

An aerial view of the Mungalla wetland

What will it take to bring Australia’s lost coastal ecosystems back from the brink?

Australia's coastal and marine ecosystems have suffered death from a thousand cuts. But scientists say it’s possible to bring them back from the brink – if we act now.

Ocean with cloudy sky above

A predicted ocean

Predicting the ocean requires mind-boggling technology, from salty robotic drifters and pristine supercomputers. But when it comes to the crunch, what is the first step?

A bushfire burns in the distance in Victoria.

Climate change attribution – calculating the role of climate change in natural disasters

When a natural disaster occurs, scientists often get asked ‘how did climate change contribute?’. Modelling and data analysis are helping answer this, and other questions about frequency and severity of extremes.

Tree ferns seen resprouting amidst a charred landscape

Experts reflect on CSIRO’s contribution to global climate science

With the leading global climate science body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, due to publish a synthesis of its sixth report in September, three CSIRO contributors to the report series reflect on CSIRO’s contribution to global climate science.

How to build resilience in the face of compounding extreme events

The risk of more frequent and extreme natural hazards is rising with climate change. When these extreme events 'collide', their impacts compound—making communities more vulnerable to crises. How can we prevent potential systemic failures caused by extreme events?

An abandoned car sits among the ash as a reminder of the Kosciuszko fire, Snowy Mountains, Australia. Pictured on the shores of Jourama Pondage Talbingo January 2020. Image by Kate Langford, CSIRO

Spreading like wildfires

Dealing with the rising threat of wildfires has become a global concern.