Global experts gather in Christchurch to tackle climate change
[ If they were really thought human use of fossil fuels was a danger, they wouldn't be flying to NZ to meet. Also note they're meeting behind locked doors. Well, now, if you were conspiring against human civilization you wouldn't want that to get out either. ]
Climate Change Minister James Shaw will launch the IPCC meeting and speak about New Zealand's climate policies.
ROSS GIBLIN/STUFF
Some of the world's brightest minds are gathering in Christchurch this week to discuss how best to tackle the ever-pressing issue of climate change.
The city will host 120 scientists from 59 countries as they examine how to manage some of the thorniest problems caused by our rapidly-changing environment.
As members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – a global coalition of scientists and academics – they will spend the next five days drafting a report that will inform and influence how governments deal with the problem in the decades ahead.
[ And that MUST be kept secret. ]
Climate experts will discuss pressing issues such as how best to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
The report has a specific focus, to advise policy-makers on sustainable management of land and water, how to ensure millions of vulnerable people around the world have enough food, cutting greenhouse gases and how to address the growing problem of desertification.
Despite having a global focus, some of the key issues are close to the hearts of ordinary New Zealanders, such as how we can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and deal with the impacts of climate change at the same time as producing more and high-quality food for a growing population.
While discussions will be held behind closed doors, the IPCC meeting will be publicly opened by Climate Change Minister James Shaw on Monday, when he is expected to speak about New Zealand's climate policies and objectives.
On Wednesday people will also be able to visit the Christchurch climate exchange, a pop-up fair next to The Piano on Armagh St, with displays on research by young scientists and information from community groups on how to become engaged in local initiatives about climate change.
Artists have also created a street mural on the topic, part of which includes green-themed poems, one by 17-year-old Burnside High student Samantha Jory-Smart.
A panel discussion from some of the expert scientists on Wednesday night is sold out, but will be recorded as a podcast through the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Associate Professor Bronwyn Hayward, a political scientist at the University of Canterbury and IPCC lead author who is helping host the meeting, said: "It is a wonderful opportunity for the city to host 120 world specialists on land use and climate change – issues that are central for New Zealand's future.
"And it's a great chance to showcase some of the science and social science, alongside community activities, that are taking place already here in the wider region."
- Stuff
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