The Climate Commission has travelled to Western Australia to continue its national conversation on climate change with members of the community, business, industry and local councils.

During a visit to the University of Western Australia today, the Climate Commission released a report focused on specific impacts of climate change. The Critical Decade: Western Australia climate change impacts highlights vulnerabilities in the state’s south west and also potential opportunities for the region.

The report – which identifies the impact of changes in rainfall, sea level rise and habitat fragmentation – follows the release of the national report, The Critical Decade: Climate Science Risks and Responses.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, welcomed the release of the Commission’s report and the assistance it would provide local authorities in south west Western Australia to plan for the future.

“The Government is committed to providing information to the wider community about the impacts of climate change, as well as getting factual, independent advice into the public debate,” Mr Combet said.

The Climate Commission will hold a community forum at the Regional Entertainment Centre in Bunbury this evening, allowing locals the opportunity to discuss the science and economics of climate change with experts.

Another forum will be held in Perth tomorrow night.

The independent Climate Commission was launched in February and is led by Professor Tim Flannery, one of Australia’s leading writers on climate change and an internationally recognised scientist, explorer and conservationist.

Professor Flannery is joined by a number of eminent Australians who are leaders in their fields. They include Professor Will Steffen, Professor Lesley Hughes, Dr Susannah Eliott, Mr Gerry Hueston and Mr Roger Beale. The Commissioners have expertise in climate change science, science communications, business, public policy and economics. They are also supported by a Science Advisory Panel.

The Climate Commission fulfils an election commitment by the Gillard Government, to establish an independent body providing expert advice and information on climate change to the community.

Previously the Climate Commission has held public forums in Geelong, Ipswich, Port Macquarie, Mackay, Parliament House in Canberra, Elizabeth, Tamworth and Wollongong.
Further information on the Climate Commission and background on its members can be found at www.climatecommission.gov.au

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