ANU-wide Initiatives address complex environmental issues

ANU Institute for Environment (ANUIE) has embarked on three new Initiatives, namely Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation, Energy and Climate, and Biodiversity. These three initiatives are aimed at addressing major environmental challenges facing Australia and the global society through an integrative approach to research and education.

These three initiatives are aimed at addressing major environmental challenges facing Australia and the global society

In June this year an Internal Dialogue Event was held at Old Canberra House 28-29th June 2007, chaired by Dr Geoff Cary and Assoc. Prof Janette Lindesay. The Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb opened the event. This ANU Climate dialogue event was timely given the current national and international focus on climate change science and related policy agendas.

Over 60 ANU educators and researchers from 5 of the 7 Colleges on Campus (College of Arts & Social Sciences, College of Asia & Pacific, College of Science, College of Medicine & Health Science, College of Law) attended the two half-day event. A major outcome of the internal dialogue was the establishment of a number of integrative research themes to address major climate issues.

Members of the Energy Initiative briefed parliamentarians at Parliament House in August and also conducted an expert panel event at ANU comprising representatives from ANU, industry, associations and government on emissions trading for Australia.

The Biodiversity Initiative will be launched at The Great Hall at ANU in an open forum planned for October this year.