The University’s core capabilities, which represent the disciplinary strengths that are the pillars of excellent research, span a broad spectrum of climate-related areas:

Understanding the climate system

The Australian National University’s ongoing research into the climate system is fundamental to understanding processes that influence past, present and future climates. Such processes include the role of the carbon cycle in regulating the climate system, the fundamental fluid dynamics of ocean circulation, the ways in which the land surface influences climate, changing fire regimes, and the potential for ice sheet dynamics to alter sea level.

Human dimensions of climate change

The human dimensions of climate change – law, ethics, culture and philosophy – are becoming central elements in the search for global solutions to the climate change dilemma. ANU expertise across these disciplines is increasingly being applied to climate change questions, exploring the ways in which humans perceive their relationship with nature and define it in legal and ethical frameworks.

Climate change & the Asia-Pacific region

An acknowledged world leader in research on Asia-Pacific affairs, ANU has a diverse group of scholars devoted to studying the social, humanitarian, economic, environmental, political, strategic and governance issues affecting our region. Supported by the CCI, this community of scholars is building strategic partnerships with its Asia-Pacific counterparts in climate change research.

Mitigation: energy, economics & institutions

There is now strong interest in economic instruments and institutional architectures needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and in new sources of clean energy. ANU is at the forefront of research on emerging energy sources, from fusion power through solar to innovative chemical- and biological-based systems, as well as on the economics of climate change mitigation, including through emissions trading.

Adapting to the impacts of climate change

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent, there is a growing need to develop and implement effective response strategies. ANU expertise spans a wide range of sectors, including human health, biodiversity, water resources, urban infrastructure, governance and institutional arrangements, natural hazards, and forestry.