Unlocking the secrets of climate change research
Climate change will mean substantial impacts on terrestrial systems, especially the globally unique Dry Valleys of the Ross Sea region. Image Credit: Steven L. Chown
The work under way by scientists around the world to understand our changing climate is explored in a short film to be screened in Melbourne’s Federation Square as part of its global launch next week.
Thin Ice: The inside story of climate science tells the story of what drives climate scientists. In a journey that took them to the ends of the Earth, geologist film-makers Peter Barrett and Simon Lamb spent three years following scientists at work, documenting how a global community of researchers are racing to understand the planet's changing climate – concluding climate change is no hoax.
Monash University's Faculty of Science, the Monash Sustainability Institute, Melbourne University and the Melbourne Energy Institute, will host the free public screening of Thin Ice in Melbourne as part of a simultaneous airing of the film around the world on Earth Day, 22 April.
Head of the School of Biological Sciences at Monash, Professor Steven Chown, has collaborated with Peter Barrett on climate change for many years, focusing on the difficulties a changing climate is bringing.
Professor Chown, an Antarctic research biologist, sees growing evidence that the rate of change is probably outstripping the rate at which humans can respond in this modern world.
“Thin Ice is part of the increasing need to shine a light on just what scientists studying the climate are doing and why their findings cause them much concern,” Professor Chown said.
“Climate researchers in parts of the world, including here in Melbourne, show that evidence is really stacking up to suggest that, through our own actions, humanity is in serious climate difficulty.
“Thin Ice is about some of these scientists. It reveals the personalities behind the work, exposes their motives, and what their findings mean in the context of our global society.”
Free public screenings of the 74-minute documentary are planned for Earth Day, 22 April, in various locations around the world from Bangalore, India to Scott Base, Antarctica and Australia.
Thin Ice will screen in Federation Square, Melbourne, on Monday 22 April at 12pm and 5pm. The event is free and registration is not required.
Professor Chown will join Dr Malte Meinshausen, a climate scientist at Melbourne University who features in the film, and experts at Federation Square from 5pm. During the screening, experts will be able to answer questions from the public.
For further information and to watch the trailer, visit the Thin Ice website.
For more information or to request interviews contact Courtney Karayannis, Monash Media & Communications +61 3 9903 4841 or courtney.karayannis@monash.edu.