The Climate Commission has met with local health professionals, school students, leadership development participants and researchers during its first visit to Alice Springs.

Community members will have further opportunity to engage with the independent Commission on the science and economics of climate change during a forum at Alice Springs Convention Centre tonight.

The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, and Federal Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, welcomed the Climate Commission's ongoing community conversation on climate change.

"This is an important opportunity for the Alice Springs community to gain further information about the science and impacts of climate change, as well as understand the importance of tackling climate change," Mr Combet said.

"Climate change is a serious environmental issue and it requires an economic solution for the future prosperity of our country. That's why the Labor Government has acted to introduce the Clean Energy Bills," Mr Snowdon said.

The independent Climate Commission was launched on 10 February 2011 and is led by Professor Tim Flannery, one of Australia's leading writers on climate change and an internationally acclaimed 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.

Previous public forums have been held in Geelong, Ipswich, Port Macquarie, Mackay, Parliament House in Canberra, Elizabeth, Tamworth, Wollongong, Bunbury, Perth and Gippsland.

Further information on the Climate Commission and background on its members can be found at www.climatecommission.gov.au.