Background
The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded in its Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4 2007) that Climate Change is unequivocal and it is primarily due to anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG), especially the carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning of fossil fuels. Depending on the GHG emission scenarios, projected global mean temperature can be as high as 6oC by the end of the 21st century. In consonance with such projected rising temperatures are changes of regional climate including patterns of extreme events. These changes could exert significant impacts to the country if adaptation measures are not planned and implemented. Since understanding of the science of regional climate change is a basis for impact and vulnerability study, it is crucial that we enhance our knowledge of regional climate change. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding of how regional climate especially in the Maritime Continent region would be changing in decades to come.
As an effort to increase our understanding of the science of tropical climate change, a research centre known as Research Centre for Tropical Climate Change System or IKLIM ("IKLIM" is a Malay word means "climate") was established in July 2008. IKLIM is one of nine centres of excellence under the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. IKLIM was established to provide researchers within or outside FST a platform to focus their research in various sub-fields related to climate change. Establishment of IKLIM also provides opportunity for networking and research collaboration with institutions within and outside the country.
The long-term goal is to steer the centre to be a reference centre for the science of tropical climate change for the country and the region as well. Through IKLIM it is hoped that UKM, particularly FST will be more visible and to the fore in tropical climate change research. Currently IKLIM plays a role as a focal point for a national project on enhancing understanding of the science of tropical climate change, i.e. a project under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Climate Change Niche in which UKM was chosen to be the coordinator for the country. Within the next 3-5 years, IKLIM roles and activities would be expanded to include providing services, conduct short courses and workshop/ seminar/ conferences related to climate change. IKLIM also intends to establish a data portal for climate related data especially for downscaled climate projection.
Climate Change System (IKLIM) |
|