William Wright Email & Phone Number

My childhood interests were around meteorology, thanks largely to my father. Think: taking daily weather observations from around the age of 11. My professional interests congregated around climatology, leading to a PhD in Climate Science from Melbourne University, concentrating specifically on what causes rainfall variability in SE Australia. I did some of the early research on the effects of ENSO and the IOD, and on tropical-extratropical cloudbands. Several peer-reviewed publications resulted. Having graduated, I worked for three years as an operational forecaster at the BoM's Victorian Regional Office. I then moved into the BoM's climate area, and undertook numerous roles in the provision of climate science and services advice, particularly in relation to agriculture (regular publications in agricultural publications, chapters in books, etc). I also co-organised an important workshop in Albury, Vic in 2000 that brought together climate scientists and farmers, and others engaged in climate-exposed industries, thus promulgating a necessary dialogue between the producers and users of climate information. In 2002-03 I was charged with developing plans to provide climate services to Pacific Island countries, a passion that continues to this day. Formally, I moved into climate data management in 2004, managing the BoM's climate data section until 2013. Since 2009 I have worked extensively with the World Meteorological Organisation on climate data management issues, including as a leader of various project teams and initiatives, resulting in an extensive history of WMO publications. I retired from the BoM early in 2019, after having developed skills and knowledge in records and information management (so I take particular interest in things like the current records management issues within the US), But though formally retired I work on both a volunteer and consultancy basis for the WMO on climate data management issues, where (it is said) I have an unmatched combination of skills and expertise. I intend to continue this work until either I suffer health issues, lose interest, or I can no longer add value. It is my contribution to addressing the climate emergency, although I also occasionally become activist in climate causes. Finally, I have now become a support person to a farming enterprise, run by my daughters, and help out where I can with axe, chainsaw and sometimes horse stable cleaning, as well as doing the business' books.