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Global science into global policy:
combating 'dangerous' climate change

13 July 2005

Following close on the heels of the G8 summit, at which the Prime Minister identified climate change as 'the single most important issue we face as a global community', the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is seeking the best ways to produce the science to help and inform government on this issue.

NERC's £21m flagship research programme, QUEST (Quantifying & Understanding the Earth System), is presenting its aims to turn science into policy at a conference in London on 19 July. The event will also provide an opportunity for discussion of the important climate issues that have been identified by the government as a cause for global concern.

QUEST is producing science to inform evidence-based policy by consulting with key groups of people from the outset. Some of the major questions being addressed by the QUEST team are: where and how is carbon dioxide being absorbed or released?; what will different degrees of climate change imply for water and food supplies, and human health? ; which regions and people are most at risk? ; how can we stabilise greenhouse gases at a level that would prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system?

Professor Colin Prentice, leader of the QUEST programme, said, "Government departments, international policy makers, industry and society as a whole have the opportunity to influence the science that is funded through this programme. We welcome the opportunity to hear what people think, and to discuss how our science can be developed to help combat the global challenge of climate change."

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Jo House
Science & Policy Officer
QUEST
Tel: 020 7733 9808

Notes

1. Journalists are welcome to attend the conference, which is being held at Church House Conference Centre, Dean's Yard, Westminster, 4pm - 6pm on 19 July

2. The conference will consist of presentations by a panel of speakers, followed by an open discussion forum. There will also be an informal drinks reception.

3. NERC is one of the UK's research councils. It uses a budget of about £350m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next generation of independent environmental scientists. It is addressing some of the key issues facing mankind such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development. Improving knowledge and investment in climate change research is one of NERC's highest priorities for the coming years.

Press release: 33/05