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.
Can we limit global warming to 1.5C°?July 28, 2021
Irrespective of tipping points, climate change adaptation efforts will be less costly and disruptive to society – and will stand a better chance of success – if warming can be limited to 1.5°C rather than 2°C or higher. View briefing note
The latest global climate models present challenges for generating climate projectionsJune 23, 2021
Climate sensitivity describes how sensitive the Earth’s temperature is to a doubling of the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. One measure of climate sensitivity for projections of future climate is the Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS). View briefing note
How might Australia contribute to a next-generation global climate modelling facility?May 19, 2021
The Royal Society has called for an international next-generation climate modelling centre (pdf), based on new cutting-edge high-performance computing and data services to support efforts toward net-zero emissions and to enable effective climate adaptation. View briefing note
How sensitive is the Earth’s temperature to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?November 19, 2020
A landmark new international review of climate sensitivity led by ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes researcher Prof Steven Sherwood has reduced the uncertainty in Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity. Estimates of likely values now vary by less than a factor of two. View briefing note
Research on the Antarctic stratospheric polar vortex is important for Australia’s seasonal forecastsApril 7, 2020
Research has established a link between Antarctic stratospheric winds and an increased risk of weather conducive to bushfires from late spring to early summer. Further research on the relationship between winds and ozone in the Antarctic stratosphere could improve seasonal forecasts for Australia. View briefing note