Climate forum to discuss what caused SEQ’s devastating weather

Floods, cyclones and severe storms have devastated much of Queensland in the space of a few short months and many people are now questioning whether this is a result of climate change.

Associate Professor Hamish McGowan from the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management’s Climate Research Group at The University of Queensland has brought together experts from around Australia, to answer this question.

Hosted by the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society, the one-day forum titled, “South East Queensland’s Future Weather and Climate”, is open to anyone in South East Queensland (SEQ) working with or concerned about the impact of weather and climate on the region.

“It is important for people working in areas like emergency services, urban planning and environmental management, as well as the general public, to be aware of the changes in weather and ocean trends and what impacts that will have on land-use and environment planning,” Associate Professor McGowan said.

The conference will bring together experts from around Australia in climate change and variability, severe weather, air pollution and coastal processes to present talks on a wide range of issues, including;

• Climate Variability: Implications for SEQ
• SEQ Metropolis: Its Emissions and Weather
• SE Qld Susceptible to Erosion and Inundation?
• Tropical Cyclones: A Real Threat to SEQ?
• Thunderstorms: Expected Trends

“Our hope is that these talks will equip attendees with a better understanding of what to expect, which will enable them to support local communities to prepare for and mitigate the effects of extreme weather events and the impacts of climate variability and change,” Dr McGowan said.

Queensland’s Environment and Resource Management Minister, Kate Jones, will open the forum at the Queensland Museum Theatre, South Bank, on the 12 April 2011.

Admission is $50 for the general public, $40 for UQ Alumni and $30 for students.

Registrations close on 31 March 2011. Further details can be found online.

Media: Kate Swanson, at UQ’s School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, +61 7 3346 7406.