When it comes to the topic of climate change, Daniel Murdiyarso is one of Indonesia’s most respected scientists, having played a crucial role in such key developments as Indonesia’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. He has also served on the IPCC, winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
As Indonesia’s forests assume an increasingly significant position in the global fight against climate change, it is fitting this year’s Nobel Peace Prize is shared, in part, by an Indonesian scientist dedicated to ensuring his country’s forests are managed sustainably.
Daniel is a climatologist with CIFOR and also serves as a member of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was recently awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, alongside global warming crusader and former US Vice President Al Gore.
As humble as he is committed, Dr Murdiyarso is quick to deflect any attention to his many colleagues, stating simply that he is “proud of being one of thousands who contribute”.
Murdiyarso’s place within the IPCC, made up of over 3000 scientists from around the world, could be seen as symbolic of the changing face of Indonesia and the increasing environmental conscience that is emerging throughout the nation.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that climate change is happening here and now, and the work of the IPCC has gone a long way towards establishing this.’ Dr Murdiyarso said. “It’s up to us all now to do something about it. If not, we face unparalleled environmental, social and economic consequences.
“If Indonesia does not start adapting to climate change now, global warming will have a devastating impact on Indonesia. Jakarta is already being flooded on a more regular basis.
“It’s predicted forest fires will increase as climate change dries out the southern areas of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, as well as Java and Bali. This will ruin the environment that so many people live in and depend on for their livelihoods,” Murdiyarso said.
Murdiyarso said it is an honour to play even a small part in the IPCC’s success, as he believes an award as significant as the Nobel Prize helps increase not only people’s awareness of climate change, but also people’s commitment do something about it.
“Personally, it’s a huge thrill to be part of something as significant as a Nobel Prize, and to realise that all of our hard work is not going unnoticed. If this can contribute in some way towards inspiring practical action, then it means far more than merely the renown,” he said.
Murdiyarso works closely with Dr Markku Kanninen, CIFOR’s Director for Environmental Services and Sustainable Use of Forests Program, who has also contributed to the work of the IPCC. Amongst many other achievements, Dr Kanninen was the editor of a pioneering IPCC book on the global assessment of carbon stocks in forests, published in 1993.
In its announcement the Norwegian Nobel Committee praised both the IPCC and Mr Gore for “their efforts to build up and disseminate a greater knowledge about man-made climate change”, recognising that these efforts “appear to be necessary to protect the world’s future climate, and thereby reduce the future threat to the security of mankind”.
Frances Seymour, CIFOR’s Director General, echoed these sentiments. “I’m delighted that Daniel and Markku’s hard work has been recognised in such a way, while I’m also extremely proud that CIFOR is part of something that promises to change the world,” Seymour said.
“There’s been a lot of crucial scientific work going on for quite some time now on the issue of climate change, so it’s been great to see someone like Al Gore take the issue to the mainstream and stimulate widespread debate. While climate change has long been important to our scientists, now it’s important to our politicians, our corporate leaders, our teachers and our children. That’s a good thing,” Seymour said.
There is little doubt that the IPCC and Mr Gore have inspired unprecedented momentum on the climate change challenge in 2007. It is now hoped that this momentum will be translated into decisive, integrated strategies at the 13th Annual Conference of Parties (COP), to be held in Bali in December.
CIFOR and its partners are organising the first ever Forest Day event in Bali to coincide with the conference. Forest Day will bring together some of the world’s leading figures and organisations involved in the global forest and climate debate.
By Tim Cronin CIFOR and AYAD-AusAID