November 30, 2009

Antarctic climate change and the environment

Speakers:
Dr Colin Summerhayes, Executive Director, Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR)
Prof John Turner, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge
Dr Julian Gutt, Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany

The first comprehensive review of the state of Antarctic’s climate and its relationship to the global climate system was published on 1 December by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) – it presents the latest research from the Antarctic, identifies areas for future scientific research, and addresses the urgent questions that policy makers have about Antarctic melting, sea-level rise and biodiversity. Key contributors to the report came to the SMC to brief journalists on their findings and to discuss areas such as the impact and consequences of rapid warming in the region and changes in sea ice around the continent.