Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency announced a short time ago an independent Climate Commission, to be headed by Professor Tim Flannery.
"The Climate Commission has been established by the Gillard Government to provide an authoritative, independent source of information for all Australians," said Mr. Combet.
Included in its public outreach work will be explaining the purpose and operation of a carbon price and how it may work within the Australian economy and communities.
Mr. Combet said the expert advice resulting from the Climate Commission’s activities will help build the required consensus for Australia’s clean energy future.
An internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist; Professor Flannery was named Australian of the Year in 2007. Among his many books and publications is The Weather Makers (2005); a passionate argument for the urgent need to address the implications of a global climate change.
Others joining Professor Flannery to participate in the Climate Commission include Professor Will Steffen, a climate science expert and researcher, and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Science Media Centre Dr Susannah Eliott.
Professor Flannery said he was delighted to lead the new Commission and that the group will play an important educational role; facilitating a more informed conversation about climate change.
The Commission will be supported by a Science Advisory Panel providing additional advice on the science of climate change and its associated impacts.
The Government has set funding for the Climate Commission for four years at $5.6 million.
Image Credit: Mark Coulson, 5th World Conference of Science Journalists
