Climate of change
 Vice-Chancellor
The last five years have seen the emergence of near-universal consensus that climate change is real, even if there is still some dispute as to its significance and the extent to which climate change is human induced. I could devote this column to persuading you that climate change is real, or to discussing the impacts it will have on climate in terms of temperature, rainfall redistribution, sea levels and the probable inundation of land (including cities), crop failure and the need to reassess cropping patterns, plant breeding, species extinction, population migration and a raft of social, economic and national security issues. However, the reality of climate change has been well described, and is detailed at length in the scientific literature such that the vast majority of scientists now accept it. Debate has now, in the main, moved to issues of magnitude, speed, impacts, and the measures we might take in爉itigation. Issues that are intimately, indeed inextricably, linked with climate change include: world population, food preferences, energy demand and water security. These issues alone demonstrate that the consequences of failing to act will be great; the problems for humanity will be massive. Are we prepared for this? Does the public understand the issues? Do we understand how to reverse, minimise, or even live with the changes that are upon us? Do governments have the policy tools and options needed to make informed judgments? The answer clearly is no. Universities are uniquely placed among the world's centres of learning and research when it comes to informing public debate. Whatever the problem, universities can, and have, come up with the solutions. As far as I see it, universities have a dual role in the global response to climate change. First, through education and research into the nature, extent and causes of climate change, they provide policy makers with the evidence required to institute meaningful mitigation policy and to provide a basis for gauging available adaptation options. Universities, through their education and research into climate change, are making an impact on the world, especially in respect of energy production, food production, and water sec | 
