The Australian Academy of Science will assemble Australia’s leading experts to discuss the future of the Great Barrier Reef under different climate scenarios and ways to boost its health and resilience for the decades to come.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water engaged the Academy to convene a series of roundtables that will support the Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel in its role of advising government.
Throughout three roundtables this year, cross-disciplinary scientists, specialists and Traditional Owners will discuss the latest evidence around pressures on reef species, habitats and ecosystems (both terrestrial and marine), key gaps in knowledge, and potential responses—including new and emerging technologies—in the context of future climate scenarios.
The Academy will provide a final report which will be a robust evidence-based synthesis of the science. The report will present the most likely impacts of climate change on the ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef.
The final report will be publicly available as a resource for governments and the non-government sector.
Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said the role of independent expert advice was more critical than ever.
“Despite substantial investment, the outlook for the health and resilience of the reef continues to trend downwards. We welcome this opportunity to assist in providing a contemporary evidence base for use by governments and advisors,” Professor Jagadish said.
“The Academy has demonstrated experience harnessing knowledge and expertise across the science sector, and we look forward to documenting the outcomes from these gatherings of experts.”
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
