Successful ACAJ-CSIRO Collaboration on Climate Change

9 July 2008

A joint venture between the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) and CSIRO has helped profile vital issues on climate change facing the Australian farm sector.

CSIRO prepared a major report which formed the basis of functions hosted across Australia by ACAJ affiliates.
The Farm Writers Association of NSW and the Queensland Rural Press club held lunches in Sydney and Brisbane respectively on June 26. The Rural Media Associaiton of Western Australia and Rural Media South Australia held their events on June 27.

The CSIRO overview on climate change impacts and adaptation options can be downloaded from www.csiro.au/resources/AgricultureAdaptationReport2008

The report brings together the latest science from research groups around Australia. It includes chapters on each of Australia’s major agricultural sectors, with a focus on steps that can be taken to adjust to the ongoing changes in our climate.

Speaking to the Farm Writers Association of NSW in Sydney, co-editor of the report Dr Mark Howden said it was time for agriculture to start focussing on proactive solutions.

“Adapting to climate change will involve everything from changes in crop varieties, through to improved seasonal forecasting, up to revised national policies and programs.”

“For many agricultural businesses incremental changes may be enough, but some regions and industries will need to be open to more transformative changes,” Dr Howden said.

Photo:
The director of CSIRO’s Climate Adaptation Flagship Dr Andrew Ash caught up with a colleague from university days, Jane Milburn, when he addressed the Brisbane function. Jane is President of the Queensland Rural Press Club.