New research institute to act on climate change

Environment

Tackling climate change is the mission of a new University of Adelaide research institute launched recently by South Australian Premier Mike Rann.

The Research Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability (RIsCCs) brings together researchers from across each of the University's five Faculties to undertake research on reducing carbon emissions and developing adaptive strategies to respond to the anticipated impacts of climate change.

"The challenge ahead to meet the State target for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions is substantial and will require the application of latest understanding and development of new technologies," said Professor Barry Brook, RIsCCs Director and the Sir Hubert Wilkins Chair of Climate Change.

"There is a lot of research across Australia on climate change but it is fragmented. The great strength and value of this new Research Institute will be in integrating research expertise from a range of different disciplines into a cohesive unit."

Mr Rann said: "I commend all those involved in setting up this new research centre. It's a terrific asset to our State and our research base."

The keynote speaker at the launch, climate change expert and CSIRO Honorary Fellow Dr Barrie Pittock, told guests that climate change was happening faster than models had predicted. Dr Pittock is author of the book Climate Change - Turning up the Heat and former foundation leader of the CSIRO Climate Impact Group.

"This joint initiative between the University of Adelaide and the State Government, and collaboration with industry and other research organisations, will help put South Australia at the forefront of climate change research," said University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha.

"It will help us to capitalise on existing research strengths and develop increased capacity in emerging areas of research, which will become increasingly important as climate change affects our lives."

Examples of research projects underway include:

• Investigating the impact of elevated carbon dioxide on vine growth and production. Researchers aim to create an international facility of monitored vines under elevated carbon dioxide and temperature;
  
• Modelling ecological impacts of climate change with the view to managing species diversity;
  
• Developing quieter, low cost, micro wind turbines;
  
• Developing a number of combustion technologies to enhance the use of biomass fuels (renewable fuels) including the application of a new type of flame-less oxidation process;
  
• Developing systems to utilise concentrated solar energy for minerals processing;
  
• Establishment of an international research facility into geothermal energy.

Story by Robyn Mills