Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will cut 92 roles from its environment unit as part of a major internal restructure, sparking concern over the future of the country’s climate science capability, as reported by the conversation.
The decision comes days after the Australian government announced an additional A$387 million in funding for the agency.
Scientists familiar with the changes said the cuts are expected to affect climate modelling teams linked to ACCESS (Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator) - Australia’s flagship climate model programme.
Climate impact
Researchers said roughly a third of the scientists working on ACCESS could lose their jobs, with between four and six climate modeller roles expected to disappear from a team of around 15 experts.
ACCESS is the only global climate model developed in the southern hemisphere.
Scientists warned the cuts could weaken Australia’s ability to predict and prepare for climate threats such as sea-level rise, flooding and changing weather patterns.
The programme has also played a role in global climate assessments and contributed to scientific work underpinning the 2015 Paris Agreement.
CSIRO statement
In a statement, CSIRO said it would continue its climate science work and retain key capabilities despite the restructuring.
The agency said it is making “essential strategic research shifts” to focus resources on areas where it can deliver the greatest national impact.
“To achieve this sharpened focus, we are exiting research where we lack scale to achieve significant impact, or areas where others in the sector are better placed to deliver.”
CSIRO said some affected positions were previously connected to the ACCESS programme.
“As the ACCESS modelling system matured from a development program into an operational national capability, CSIRO worked with partners to transition responsibility for its ongoing stewardship into sustained national research infrastructure through the establishment of ACCESS-NRI which now supports and maintains ACCESS as open research infrastructure,” the spokesperson said.
Scientists alarmed
Researchers said the latest reductions continue a long-term decline in Australia’s climate science funding.
They warned the country risks losing the capability to maintain its own global climate model, potentially weakening Australia’s role in international climate research and policy discussions.
Scientists also raised concerns about future reliance on overseas climate data at a time when climate research programmes in countries such as the United States are facing funding pressures.
The cuts have also intensified fears of a brain drain, with younger researchers increasingly uncertain about long-term opportunities in Australian climate science.
Future concerns
Climate researchers say the job cuts could have long-term consequences for Australia’s scientific standing and climate preparedness.
They argue maintaining strong domestic climate modelling capability is critical as governments and industries face growing pressure to respond to climate change and extreme weather risks.