©WellingtonNZ_Phoebe MackenzieWellington is set to host the Climate and Cryosphere Open Science Conference (CliC) in February 2026, bringing together over 500 leading climate scientists to explore the effects of climate change on Earth’s frozen regions.
Organised by the Antarctic Research Centre at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), the conference aligns with the United Nations International Decade of the Cryosphere and is supported by the World Climate Research Programme.
The bid was led by Prof. Tim Naish, Director of the Antarctic Research Centre, and Dr. Lauren Vargo, Research Fellow in Glaciology at VUW, with support from Business Events Wellington and Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
“Global warming is melting ice sheets and glaciers at an alarming rate, threatening billions through rising seas and water shortages,” said Prof. Naish.
Wellington’s strong reputation in Antarctic and climate research, including the Antarctic Research Centre and New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute, played a pivotal role in securing the event.
Held at the Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, the event will bring collaboration among global experts to address the urgent challenges of climate change.
Business Events Wellington Manager Irette Ferreira said: “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.”