New partnerships boost climate science capability

• WA joins other Australian jurisdictions in a regional climate modelling project
• Partnership with Murdoch University will deliver localised climate modelling and fund research scholarships to build local climate expertise
• Partnerships support the $3.1 million Climate Science Initiative 

The State Government has joined two new partnerships to boost climate science capability in Western Australia. 

The partnerships support the $3.1 million Climate Science Initiative to provide the most up-to-date assessment of how WA's climate may change over the next century.

WA has joined the next generation of the New South Wales and Australian Regional Climate Modelling Project (NARCliM 2.0) to ensure projections produced by the Climate Science Initiative are consistent and comparable with projections across the country.  

The NSW Government leads NARCliM 2.0 in partnership with the Australian Capital Territory, South Australian and WA governments in collaboration with the University of New South Wales and Murdoch University.

The second partnership will see the State Government team up with Murdoch University to produce detailed climate change projections for WA, and co-fund two new research scholarships to advance scientific knowledge of WA's climate and build local climate expertise. 

The Climate Science Initiative will be the first project to translate the latest findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change into local projections for WA. The new climate projections are expected to be delivered in 2024.

Updated climate projections and information for WA will help government, industry, businesses and the community understand and adapt to the changing climate.

The McGowan Labor Government recently invested $652 million in the 2022-23 State Budget to support WA's environment and a prosperous low-carbon future.

The State's expanded Climate Action Fund is now worth $1.25 billion.

Comments attributed to Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby:

"As a government, we are committed to climate action through funding science and innovation.

"Our $3.1 million investment in the Climate Science Initiative will be the first of its kind to translate the latest global climate science into tailored, local information for Western Australia.

"By understanding the changing climate and the impact on our communities, industries, and environment, we can better prepare and adapt for the future.

"These partnerships will support the Initiative to produce credible, up-to-date climate data, information and tools to support climate risk management and adaptation planning.

"By joining forces with other jurisdictions and our universities we can ensure Western Australians have the best available climate science and information to respond to our changing climate."

Minister's office - 6552 6300