Briefing Notes

Climate science is a complex field encompassing disciplines such as mathematics, atmospheric science, oceanography, and physics. It also intersects with other areas like geology, chemistry, biology, soil science, data analysis, and hydrology.

For decision-makers, encountering unfamiliar terminology can feel overwhelming. Briefing notes are invaluable tools that simplify complex climate science concepts by translating scientific research into plain English. They offer concise, accessible explanations of scientific findings.

In collaboration with researchers and decision-makers, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes produced 51 briefing notes on topics ranging from urban climate to the fundamentals of climate models during its tenure. These briefing notes were widely distributed and recognised by government, industry, and media, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

Below is the complete list of briefing notes published by the Centre.

Marine Heatwaves

Efforts to curtail global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions should remain a priority so that the risks of marine heatwaves can be reduced. View briefing note

Urban Climates and Climate Change

This briefing note highlights the critical connection between urbanisation and climate change, emphasising how cities amplify risks like heat, flooding, and poor air quality. It calls for integrating climate science into policy and planning to build more resilient and sustainable cities that can adapt to changing climates. View briefing note

Ocean Oxygen Loss: If Fish Could Talk

Almost all life on Earth depends on oxygen. The global oceans are currently losing oxygen due to global warming, and oxygen-starved dead zones are expanding. The loss of oxygen is known as deoxygenation. View briefing note

Understanding Net Zero

Achieving net zero emissions is essential to limit the impacts of climate change which are already being felt across the world. Once net zero is reached, global mean surface temperature will likely stabilise. View briefing note

Ocean Fronts

Ocean fronts act as hotspots for marine biodiversity and play an important role in regulating the Earth’s climate. As the oceans get warmer with climate change, the location, number and intensity of ocean fronts may change. This could have far-reaching implications for the climate system, marine ecosystems and global fisheries. View briefing note