Antarctic research secures cryosphere conference for Wellington

Hosted by the Antarctic Research Centre at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), this once-in-a-decade international conference focuses on how climate change is affecting our planet’s frozen regions.

Sponsored by the World Climate Research Programme, the conference will be part of the United Nations International Decade of the Cryosphere and will bring scientists and policymakers together to better understand and predict climate impacts on frozen parts of the planet and the consequences of such impacts for people and ecosystems.

The bid was led by Tim Naish, Professor of Earth Sciences and Director at the Antarctic Research Centre, and Lauren Vargo, Research Fellow in Glaciology at VUW, with support from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.

Tim says the conference could not come at a more important time for our planet.

“Global warming is melting the polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers at an alarming rate and will directly impact 4 billion people who live on the world’s coastlines through rising seas, and in high mountainous regions who rely on water stored in glaciers for food supply.”

Wellington’s world leadership in Antarctic and climate change research at VUW — home to both the Antarctic Research Centre and the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute — played an important role in securing the conference.

Professor Edward Hanna of the University of Lincoln, UK, and CliC's Scientific Steering Group co-chair says: “We have a very active ice and snow research community in New Zealand. We want to showcase their work and raise the profile of their involvement and of other scientists and early-career researchers across the wider Australasian region and Southern Hemisphere, where some of the most rapid changes in the cryosphere are taking place.”

Taking place in February 2026 at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, the conference’s benefits will reach far beyond the expected economic impact of nearly $1 million, says Business Events Wellington Manager Irette Ferreira.

“Climate change is a focus area for Wellington’s universities, businesses, science research institutes and its city council. Wellington is home to some of the brightest minds in this field, and having them collaborate with other experts from around the world can help us to fast track the progress made locally as well as make a global contribution.”

Date published: 28 November 2024