UNSW Sydney's Scientia Professor Matthew England has been named as the recipient of the 2024 American Geophysical Union's Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize. This is only the second time in the prize's history that it has been awarded to a scientist outside of the United States, and Prof. England is the first Australian to receive the honour.
Awarded annually by the world's largest Earth and space science association, AGU, the prize recognises climate science communication that promotes scientific literacy, clarity of message, and efforts to foster respect and understanding of science-based values, particularly around climate change.
Prof. England obtained his PhD in physical oceanography and climate modelling, and his expertise covers the physics of the oceans and their role in climate variability and climate change. His advocacy over a 30-year career has helped politicians, policymakers, industry and the public better understand the effects of climate change on our world and particularly the oceans.
In 2007 Prof. England coordinated and led the Bali Climate Declaration by Scientists, a major international statement by the scientific community that specified the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions required to minimise the risk of human-induced climate change. Prof. England presented the declaration at the 2007 Bali COP meeting, and it was the first time the scientific community put forward a coordinated message at a COP calling for world leaders to set targets to dramatically cut emissions.
Prof. England was also the coordinating lead author of the 2009 Copenhagen Diagnosis which spelled out how the window for effective action on climate change is rapidly closing.
On receiving news of the award Prof. England said "It's a tremendous honour to receive this prize. The past winners are some of my heroes of climate change communication. I'm honoured to join their ranks".
Prof. England says more than 90 per cent of the heat from climate change has been absorbed by the oceans, such that research in his field is now dominated by what this human-induced warming is doing to our oceans.
Over the past few decades England has been committed to calling out sceptics and deniers of climate change, in the hope of helping the public understand why we must move away from fossil fuels as a source of energy.
"I've felt motivated to counter lies, fakes news and disinformation, which sadly has been part of the climate change story since the early 1980s," he said. "Science must speak up for our oceans, which are getting clobbered by a giant perturbation of heat."
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs, says there are many challenges for scientists who dedicate their career to understanding and explaining climate change, making a positive impact on society.
"The very real havoc wreaked by our warming planet can often lead to ugly debate and disinformation, and there is a huge responsibility for our scientists to wade through the lies and communicate the truth," he said.
"Over a career spanning three decades, Matthew England has never shied away from trying to explain the science of our warming planet, even at personal cost. We are very proud of his efforts, and we're thrilled to see him honoured with this international prize."
AGU is the world's largest Earth and space science association, supporting more than half a million advocates and professionals in the Earth and space sciences. The organisation celebrates individuals and teams through its annual Honors and Recognition program for their accomplishments in research, education, science communication, and outreach. These honourees have transformed our understanding of the world, impacted our everyday lives, improved our communities and contributed to solutions for a sustainable future.
Matthew England joins a distinguished group of scientists, leaders and communicators recognized by AGU for advancing science. Each honouree reflects AGU's vision for a thriving, sustainable and equitable future supported by scientific discovery, innovation and action.
Honourees will be recognized at AGU24, which will convene more than 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries in Washington, D.C. and online everywhere on 9-13 December 2024. Reflecting the theme 'What's Next for Science' at AGU24, the Honors Reception will recognize groundbreaking achievements that illustrate science's continual advancement, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.
