Mary Robinson Joins Chorus Against CSIRO Cuts, Says Climate Science 'Imperative, Not Luxury'

ABC News - Sara Phillips

Mary Robinson was a United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Climate Change last year.  (Reuters: Thomas Mukoya)

Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson criticised the proposed cuts to CSIRO climate science in a speech made last night at the University of Melbourne's Sustainable Society Institute.
The highly-decorated former politician was last year a United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Climate Change.
She was a key player in brokering the global agreement on climate change reached in Paris in December.
But on Tuesday night she said she was concerned about proposed cuts to long-running climate science programs.
"I acknowledge Australia's continued commitment to climate research into adaption and mitigation measures," she said.

Key points: Mary Robinson says CSIRO cuts 'wrong message to be sending at the moment' Says research 'an investment ... not a luxury' Joins growing number of international voices to criticise the cuts

"There is, however, a need for complementary fundamental climate change research.
"It's imperative that research funding levels are not just sustained but increased."
CSIRO chief Larry Marshall announced structural changes to Australia's national science agency in February, paring back efforts to observe and measure climate change and instead emphasise research into how Australia should prepare for it.
Approximately 350 climate science jobs are expected to be affected.
The cuts were condemned around the world, with an open letter from nearly 3,000 scientists from around the world calling on Dr Marshall to reconsider his plans.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change co-chair and even the World Meteorological Organisation also spoke up against the proposed cuts.

'I urge Australia to continue to provide leadership'
Ms Robinson, a career diplomat, was forthright in adding her voice to the chorus.
"I think it's the wrong message at the moment. We need the research at all levels and more of it," she said.
"Research is an investment in our shared future. It's not a luxury.
"To make informed decisions we need access to the best information on the climate system and adaptation and mitigation responses, so I urge Australia to continue to provide leadership in all aspects of climate change research."
Her speech was on climate justice, the concept of sharing the responsibility for climate change equally.
She urged Australia to be among the first in the world to ratify the Paris agreement when it is ready in April.
She also spoke of the "deeply concerning" approach the Australian Government has taken towards refugees, noting that with climate change, people fleeing unrest and dangerous situations is only likely to increase.
"The wealthy countries of the world in Europe, America, Asia and Australia have to lead with compassion," she said.
"The rule of law has a role to play. But so too do human rights and the values of human dignity that bind us together as a human race."

Links

• 'Deplorable misunderstanding': New York Times criticises CSIRO cuts
• Global spotlight on CSIRO cuts as work culture turns toxic, inquiry hears