Imax Crevasse on Ross Island in Antarctica. Photo: Andris Apse
Urgent research is needed to address critical issues related to Antarctica, a chief scientific advisor says.
Antarctic researchers from around the world are meeting in Ōtautahi for back-to-back conferences with a spotlight on climate change.
Antarctica is a driver of climate patterns and part of a global system intimately intertwined, Antarctica New Zealand chief scientific advisor Jordy Hendrikx said.
"Much of the science that we support aims to understand those dynamics in the atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems, and to help better understand the connectivity between Antarctica, New Zealand, and the wider world," Hendrikx said.
"While this meeting is primarily about scientists coming together to share their latest research findings, it is also an excellent opportunity to communicate our science knowledge to the public and to decision makers so that we can best support our Government's climate and environmental policies," Australian Antarctic Division's chief scientist Nicole Webster said
2023 New Zealand - Australia Antarctic Science Conference, Latitudes of Change runs from Wednesday and next week XIII SCAR Biology Symposium will take place.
The science conference was the country's biggest Antarctic science event.