Tasmania will host more than 200 leading climate change scientists from around the world in January next year, as they gather for the Fourth Lead Authors Meeting of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at Wrest Point in Hobart.

The Minister for Climate Change, Cassy O’Connor, said it was a great privilege for Tasmania to be selected to host the Fourth Lead Authors Meeting for the IPCC, and a credit to the quality and integrity of Tasmania’s internationally recognised scientific community.

“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is the leading international body for the scientific assessment of climate change,” she said.

“The IPCC’s assessment reports guide governments and policy makers around the world and are the scientific foundation for Tasmania’s Wedges Report as well as our world-leading Climate Futures work.

“To host this important meeting here in Hobart is a real honour for Tasmania and for the Tasmanian scientists who are significant contributors to the IPCC process,” she said.

“I would like to recognise in particular, former Tasmanian Climate Action Council (TCAC) member, Dr John Church, who is the coordinating lead author of the Sea Level Change chapter for the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, to be completed in 2013.

“This Tasmanian IPCC meeting is an excellent opportunity for local researchers to showcase the significance of their climate science research at an international level, whilst staying at home on this beautiful island as they work.” 

O’Connor congratulated both the Business Events Ambassador for the Antarctic Sector, Dr Tony Press, and Business Events Tasmania who, through the Catalyst program, worked to secure this exciting event for Tasmania.

The Chief Executive of Business Events Tasmania, Stuart Nettlefold, said the attraction of international events was a priority for the organisation.

“There is a greater economic impact from an international event – delegates spend significantly more than a national delegate, and there’s also more scope for pre and post event touring,” he said.

“But the impacts go well beyond the direct spend. By bringing international experts in any field to Tasmania, we’re showcasing our skills and attributes on the international stage, which can help forge trade links, encourage investment and see an influx of international knowledge.”

It’s been a successful year for Business Events Tasmania, which has secured five international conferences including the AMWAY India 2012 Diamond Group, the 10th International Conference of Emergency Nurses 2012 (CENA) among others.