Press Release: Foundation For Research Science And Technology
Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004
Time: 4:28 pm NZT



Responding to Global Change

19 May 2004

Responding to Global Change

The highly topical issue of global change will be discussed by leading
scientists from across the country at a one day symposium to be held in
Wellington on 26 May.

The symposium, organised by the Foundation for Research, Science and
Technology, will highlight how the research funded by the Foundation is
helping to define the issue of global change, as well as pointing to
ways forward.

The event will feature research leaders from throughout the country who
will present the work they are carrying out. Group discussions will also
be held on policy implications and future research needs and priorities.

A diverse range of topics will be discussed at the symposium, including
research around the impact of the Kyoto agreement. Dr Suzi Kerr,
director and senior fellow at Motu: Economic and Public Policy Research
in New Zealand, will present research into domestic and international
emissions trading issues with particular emphasis on land use and
climate change.

Research into the history of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and the history of
global change that is recorded in Antarctic sediments will be presented
by Dr Tim Naish, Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences, Professor
Peter Barrett, Antarctic Research Centre Victoria University and Dr Gary
Wilson, Department of Geology, Otago University. Dr Richard Warrick,
deputy director of the International Institute of Global Change at the
University of Waikato, will discuss findings on the human side of global
change, for example what stops individuals and institutions responding
effectively, and what can be done to reduce vulnerability to climatic
risks.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. The symposium is being held
at the Ilott Theatre in the Wellington Town Hall on Wednesday 26 May
from 9am to 5pm. There is a nominal registration fee of $50 to cover
costs.

ENDS