Finding answers to the challenges presented by climate change will require both new science and a new way of doing science, according to CSIRO's Chief Executive, Dr Megan Clark.

In an address to be presented in Cairns on Monday 4 April to Australia's leading climate change conference - GREENHOUSE 2011 - Dr Clark will explain how integrating scientific knowledge with an increasing understanding of economics and human behaviour will greatly enhance Australia's ability to effectively deal with the consequences of climate change.

The more than 600 delegates attending the conference's opening session - International and domestic science advances - will also hear how CSIRO and its partners are collaborating across a wide range of research areas to find practical, integrated solutions to an array of complex problems where no single option will provide the solution.

The opening session will also be addressed by a number of world renowned climate change experts including: the Director of the Bureau of Meteorology, Dr Greg Ayers; CSIRO oceanographer, Dr John Church; and, Dr Dean Roemmich from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in the US.

The conference's themes include: observations of the atmosphere and oceans; climate trends; projections for Australian and global temperature, rainfall, sea-level rise and extreme events; adapting to inevitable change; and communicating about climate change.

The policy and economic implications of climate change will also be addressed. On Tuesday, 5 April, ABC journalist Kerry O'Brien will host what is expected to be a lively discussion on the topic: ‘Converting the science into policy'.

Presentations will also examine the likely impact of climate change on extreme events, such as flooding and tropical cyclones.

Other key speakers include:
• Professor Ross Garnaut, Australia's leading advisor on climate change policy
• Dr Graeme Pearman, Graeme Pearman Consulting
• Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, University of Queensland

Conference Convenor, CSIRO's Paul Holper, said GREENHOUSE 2011 presents scientists and policy makers with a golden opportunity to discuss and debate the critical issues.

GREENHOUSE 2011 is being organised by CSIRO in conjunction with the Australian Climate Change Science Program. Major sponsors include the Department of Climate Change, the Queensland Government, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and New Scientist.