Sharing New Zealand’s Antarctic expertise with the World
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2 DEC 2019: THE SCAR TEAM INCLUDING PROF STEVEN CHOWN (RIGHT) AND PROF TIM NAISH (2ND TO RIGHT), AT THE 1ST ANTARCTIC PARLIAMENTARIANS ASSEMBLY
Lead scientist on NZ SeaRise Impact Statement 2, Professor Tim Naish is one of only eight scientists around the world invited to speak at the first Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly in London.
Timed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty, the Assembly will bring together parliamentarians and experts from the 53 countries which have signed the traty since 1 December 1959. The traty made the Antarctica continent a demilitarised zone to be preserved for scientific research.
The Assembly highlighted the importance of Antarctica in the understanding of our planet and featured presentations from SCAR President Professore Steven Chown and Tinker-Muse Prize Winner Professor Tim Naish.
Tim is representing New Zealand and speaks about Antarctica’s ice sheets and how they will contribute to future sea-level rise. Tim says his message is about making a change but also being prepared.
“The latest science suggests there’s a tipping point in Antarctica. If we can keep temperatures below a two degrees increase since industrialisation, then it might be possible we can prevent major meltdown of the ice sheets and limit global sea-level rise to half a metre. Don’t give up on mitigation, but at the same time, be prepared to adapt to what’s coming.” he says.