Leading climate researcher Tim Naish, a professor of Earth Sciences at Te Herenga Waka’s Antarctic Research Centre, has been elected chair of the Joint Scientific Committee of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP).
Co-sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Science Council (ISC) and UNESCO-Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the WCRP coordinates international research on pressing scientific questions about our changing climate facing society and decision makers.
The Joint Scientific Committee is the WCRP’s top governance committee, responsible for co-ordinating research that underpins decisions made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), such as the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. One of its major roles is to oversee the delivery of climate model projections for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports.
Professor Naish currently co-leads Our Changing Coast, a large multidisciplinary research programme that is providing improved knowledge on the impacts and implications of future sea-level rise on the New Zealand coastline.
His contributions to the field of Antarctic and climate change have been recognised by several prestigious organisations both within New Zealand and overseas. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, and a former recipient of the New Zealand Antarctic Medal and international Tinker Muse Prize for Antarctic Science and Policy. In addition to his work with the WCRP, he contributes to the leadership of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and represents the WMO at Antarctic Treaty Meetings.
Speaking about his new role, Professor Naish said: “It is a great honour to be appointed chair of the Joint Scientific Committee. New Zealand has played a vital role in advancing global understanding about the scale and impacts of climate change and we now have an exciting opportunity to lead the international climate science community through the next IPCC assessment report cycle.
“The WCRP plays an important role in highlighting climate challenges and priorities and engaging with all key stakeholders, including governments. It is crucial that we help accelerate conversations that will deliver actionable science solutions at global and local scales.”
Professor Naish’s term as chair of the Joint Scientific Committee is for the period 2025-2027, with the option for a further 2-year extension.
Learn more about World Climate Research Programme and the Joint Scientific Committee.