The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) made for some chastening headlines in August this year, leveraging a much-renewed focus on healing and protecting our planet.
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Currently, much of the world's attention is currently focussed on the upcoming UN Climate Change Talks (COP26) in Glasgow this month.
Countries are being asked to consider ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets, aligning with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.
To say this has been contentious and divisive is an understatement.
But from the divergence of opinions and contested views, calculated priorities are emerging and at the University of Wollongong we are developing strategic approaches, while leveraging the passion and expertise of our students, faculty and community partners.
Inspired by a UOW-student action group of Benjamin Hamill, Sarah Vogel, Carly Lavings, Grace Mahon, Alexander Hall, Isabella Panozzo, Jackson Cocks, Matthew Hammond, Paris Rawaqa and Reisha Thaker, we are embarking on an ambitious new journey to address climate change - the biggest threat to humanity of our lifetime.
Inspired by a UOW-student action group of Benjamin Hamill, Sarah Vogel, Carly Lavings, Grace Mahon, Alexander Hall, Isabella Panozzo, Jackson Cocks, Matthew Hammond, Paris Rawaqa and Reisha Thaker, we are embarking on an ambitious new journey to address climate change - the biggest threat to humanity of our lifetime
These students have engaged in a broad consultative process as part of their recent submission to the United Nations 16th Conference of Youth on Climate Change (COY16) and have worked closely with University leadership to develop a roadmap to focus our activities.
Based upon this consultation our key goals are to work towards carbon neutrality by 2030; support sustainable transport solutions; improve energy management; cultivating research excellence; and educating the community.
We are delighted that Professor Tim McCarthy, a global leader in sustainability will be leading the University in addressing the complex challenges we face as a region and across the world.
With world-leading research groups, such as Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCOR), SMART Infrastructure, Australian Centre for Culture Environment Society and Space, Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, ARC Training Centre in Energy Technologies for Future Grids, Sustainable Building Research Centre, ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing, UOW Energy Futures Network and the Australian Institute for Innovative Materials, UOW is uniquely placed to share knowledge and expertise in climate science, impacts, adaptation and mitigation.
We believe it is through collaboration, community engagement and research that we can create greater insight and action.
The Illawarra is poised to lead innovations in energy and materials, just as it has done for decades, but moving forward our technologies will be more considerate of the environment.
At the University, we are also committed to preparing individuals for the new jobs and technologies which lie ahead.
We are fortunate to live in a city where the Wollongong City Council already has a robust carbon neutral commitment and strategy and there is strong commitment from industry to better ways of production.
The Council has acknowledged the climate emergency and has committed to an operational net zero target by 2030, and a net zero emissions target for the City of Wollongong by 2050. But this will not happen without our individual and collective action.
As we come to the close of Global Climate Change Week, academics, students and local communities have come together to share ideas, seek solutions and take action on climate change.
Led by Dr Belinda Gibbons, UOW's lead researcher on the Global Challenges' Global Goals, Local Level project, these discussions have led to a renewed commitment for a healthier planet.
We are exceptionally proud of our students' Youth Climate Statement ahead of Glasgow and we look forward to the outcomes of COP26 and stand ready to leverage the expertise, talent and resources of the University of Wollongong to make sure that the natural beauty of our region, our country and our world are available for generations to come.
- Professor Patricia Davidson is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong.