The Environment Institute

19/11/2024

🌍 Exciting Announcement: New Advisory Board Members Join the Environment Institute!

We are thrilled to welcome three highly esteemed individuals to our Advisory Board, each bringing invaluable expertise in sustainability, climate action, and environmental advocacy:

🌏 Tim Jarvis AM – Environmental Scientist, Filmmaker, and Philanthropist; Renowned for his pioneering work in climate change and biodiversity conservation, Tim's hands-on approach to environmental challenges will help us drive effective action and advocacy in tackling pressing environmental issues.

✍️ Dr. Sarah Keenihan – Former Science and Technology Editor, The Conversation; With a wealth of experience across academia, industry, and government, Sarah's deep knowledge of environmental communication will support our mission to effectively translate research into actionable insights for diverse industries.

🌳 Christopher Wilson – Co-Founder, Pangolin Associates Pty Ltd; An expert sustainability advisor and deeply engaged in natural capital accounting, Chris's leadership in developing resiliency frameworks and adaptation strategies will be invaluable as we continue to build a sustainable future.

These influential leaders join Professor Hugh Possingham, Professor Andrew Lowe, Professor Laura Parry, Professor Chris Daniels, Sandy Carruthers and Dr Marina Delpin, PhD on our Advisory Board. Together, they will guide our efforts and amplify the impact of our work in environmental research and action.

Read more about our Advisory Board here: https://lnkd.in/ge5e7txM

18/11/2024

Empowering Young People Through Housing, Support, and Green Spaces 🌱🏡

In a heartfelt story of resilience and hope, Hailie Hansen and Xander Parker, both 19, have found stability and community in an affordable housing program in Adelaide, designed for young people at risk of homelessness. Thanks to Anglicare's program, they now live independently in a supportive environment, learning essential life skills and getting the help they need to manage everyday tasks.

Their journey highlights the power of community support for young people facing significant hardship. In addition to the housing and support they receive, residents are working together to create a community garden—a green space that offers more than just fresh herbs and vegetables. It fosters connection, sustainability, and mental wellbeing. The initiative has brought everyone together, with residents contributing to the garden and benefiting from the collective effort.

Ehsan Sharifi, of the Environment Institute, is researching the urban heat mitigation benefits of the project, which could help cool urban spaces by 2-10°C. The initiative is also being studied by Mark Kohler of the Environment Institute, who is exploring the impact of the green space on residents’ mood, problem-solving skills, and sense of purpose. Dr. Kohler emphasizes that nature can significantly enhance people's wellbeing, providing a sense of hope and wonder—essential elements for young people rebuilding their lives.

This project not only offers practical skills and community engagement but also contributes to mental health and environmental sustainability. It’s a powerful example of how small, thoughtful interventions can transform lives and foster long-term resilience.

Let’s continue to support programs that uplift and empower young people—giving them the tools to thrive. 🌍💚

🔗 https://shorturl.at/RyHNw

Residents at an affordable apartment complex in Adelaide are taking part in a greening project intended to improve the wellbeing of young people who have spent time in state care, and reduce the amount of heat trapped in urban spaces.

18/11/2024

Urgent Action Needed to Protect Australia’s Freshwater Fish Species from Extinction 🐟

A groundbreaking study has revealed that 35 freshwater fish species across Australia are at risk of extinction, including the Kangaroo River perch, which hasn’t been seen in the wild for over 26 years. Although the species might be officially declared extinct soon, it highlights a broader and urgent issue: Australia's freshwater ecosystems are under threat like never before. Of 241 species of freshwater fish assessed, 88 species were identified as threatened—many of them under 15 cm in length. Key threats include invasive species, climate change, and habitat destruction.

Jess Marsh, an Environment Institute member, a Biodiversity Council councillor and University of Adelaide taxonomist and ecologist, has backed this study, saying that it will help species conservation. "This [study] is important to assess the impacts of threats and also the effectiveness of conservation actions," she said. "Conservation is often heavily skewed towards the cute and the cuddly taxa, with heavy biases against taxa, such as fish, invertebrates and fungi.

One of the most pressing recommendations from the study, led by Dr. Mark Lintermans the University of Canberra, is the need for a national strategy to manage invasive fish, such as trout, redfin, and carp. Recognizing these species as a “key threatening process” would encourage better collaboration across state governments and provide essential funding for conservation actions like captive breeding programs and creating safe refuges for native fish.

Let’s work together to protect Australia’s unique freshwater biodiversity before it’s too late. 🌏💧

🔗 https://shorturl.at/xru74



📷 The freshwater sawfish has been recommended for an uplisting to critically endangered from vulnerable. (Supplied: Sharks and Rays Australia/Barbara Wueringer)

The largest survey of Australia's freshwater fish suggests about one third should be listed as threatened species.

14/11/2024

🌏 ☘ The Cycle of Influence, Laws and Nature

What is the Law's role, locally and internationally, in implementing good practises and emerging technologies to remedy declining biodiversity and a changing climate? Are legal systems too cumbersome to act with the urgency demanded by academia, community and industry?

In this stimulating episode of the EcoFuturist Podcast Prof Andrew Lowe speaks with the The University of Adelaide's Dr Phillipa McCormack Postdoctoral Researcher and Dr Kerryn Brent and the Adelaide Law School.

🎧 Listen here! >>> https://shorturl.at/IBAg4



📷 Prof Andrew Lowe with Dr Phillipa McCormack and Dr Kerryn Brent

13/11/2024

🔬 New Study to Investigate PFAS in Australian Livestock 🐑🐄

The University of Adelaide is embarking on a critical national research project to understand the prevalence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australian livestock. This study, funded by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, aims to assess the risks of PFAS contamination through the use of biosolids and wastewater effluent as fertilizers on agricultural land.

The study aims to uncover:
• The correlation between PFAS contamination in livestock and the use of biosolids or wastewater effluent in farming.
• The potential pathways of PFAS entering the human food chain through consumption of animal products.
• The implications for animal health and the broader environment.

Farmers in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland who have used biosolids or effluent on pastures are invited to participate in this groundbreaking research. The study will involve collecting blood samples from livestock, along with water and soil samples, to assess PFAS levels.

By shedding light on this issue, the study hopes to contribute to better policy decisions and farming practices that can help protect our agricultural industry, our health and our environment.

https://shorturl.at/Xkxp5
📢 Calling all farmers in the relevant regions: This is an opportunity to participate in a study that could make a significant difference to the future of agricultural health in Australia.

13/11/2024

🌏 ☘ Yesterday the Environment Institute was delighted to host a Special Seminar by Sheldon Jordan: Global Wildlife Enforcement – Policy, Challenges, and Opportunities for Change presented to the University of Adelaide's Research Community.

Sheldon Jordan, an expert in conservation management and environmental enforcement, shared insights into the complex field of global wildlife crime during his special seminar.

As a distinguished collaborator with the Wildlife Crime Research Hub,

Sheldon Jordan brings decades of experience, including his previous role as the Director General of Wildlife Enforcement with Canada’s Department of Environment and Climate Change. He also served as the Chair of INTERPOL's Wildlife Crime Working Group and as Co-Chair of the North American Wildlife Enforcement Group.

During his week-long visit, Sheldon is engaging in collaborative research discussions and seminars aimed at increasing awareness and improving wildlife enforcement globally.

His presentation focused on:

🌏 Global wildlife enforcement policies and their effectiveness
🌏 Challenges faced by authorities in tackling wildlife crime
🌏 Opportunities for international collaboration and new enforcement strategies to curb wildlife trafficking.

Sheldon’s visit underscores the importance of collaborative research and policy innovation in the fight against wildlife crime.

12/11/2024

Cosmic Radiation Could Degrade Medications on Long Space Missions 🌌💊

New research published in Advanced Healthcare Materials highlights a significant challenge for deep space missions: cosmic radiation may rapidly degrade medications, turning them into potentially harmful substances.
Studying ibuprofen tablets aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and in laboratory simulations, scientists found that tablets stored outside the ISS experienced over 50% degradation due to exposure to cosmic radiation. The degradation isn't just a loss of potency—some medications break down into toxic compounds that could pose health risks to astronauts.

While medication degradation occurs on Earth over time (which is why products like ibuprofen have expiration dates), researchers found that in space, this process is not only faster but also more unpredictable. According to Volker Hessel, Environment Institute, Professor of sustainable chemical engineering at the University of Adelaide, and co-author of the study, “We found in space, this process is faster and ‘wilder’, meaning more degradation products and more toxic products.”

Key findings include:
☄ Inside the ISS: Medications in aluminum blister packs were shielded from radiation.
☄ Outside the ISS: Degradation was severe, leading to the formation of harmful substances like 2-propionic acid and neurotoxic 4′-isobutyl-acetophenone.
☄ Solutions: Iron oxide coatings and certain flavorings helped protect medications from radiation.

This research underscores the need for new drug formulations and delivery methods specifically designed for space environments, especially as missions to the Moon and Mars grow longer.

As we look ahead, the development of "space medicines" could be crucial for the health and safety of astronauts during extended deep space travel.

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/2vufd97a

Cosmic radiation degrades medications like ibuprofen, highlighting the need for new "space" medicines with modified formulations.

08/11/2024

The extreme floods which devastated Spain are hitting more often. Is Australia ready for the next one?

The Environment Institute’s Professor Seth Westra has co-authored an article in The Conversation that reveals some startling figures about the risk of extreme flooding in Australia.

The recent catastrophic floods in the Valencia region of Spain have starkly highlighted the growing risks posed by climate change. Torrential rains, with some areas experiencing an entire year’s worth of rainfall in a single day, led to sudden and deadly floods. Over 200 lives have been lost, and the damage to infrastructure has been devastating. Scientific analysis reveals that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent, with rainfall extremes now occurring twice as often as they did 75 years ago, and the intensity of these storms has increased by around 12%.

The threat of extreme floods is not confined to Spain. Australia, for example, has already warmed by 1.5°C since records began in 1910, and in recent years, the country has faced devastating floods, including those in New South Wales and Queensland. The floods in northern New South Wales in 2022 caused widespread damage and claimed 24 lives, marking the most expensive natural disaster in Australian history, with damages totaling A$5.65 billion.

The question, then, is whether countries are adequately prepared for these more frequent and intense floods. While Australia has updated its flood design guidelines to account for climate change, current infrastructure—roads, bridges, stormwater systems—was not built to withstand the increased intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall events. Similarly, flood planning levels used to determine where buildings can be constructed have not kept pace with the evolving flood risk.

🔗 https://shorturl.at/fC7fp

📷 Spain’s extreme floods damaged vital infrastructure such as train lines. Chema Moya/EPA

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To prepare for more intense floods supercharged by climate change, we have to build infrastructure able to tolerate new extremes

06/11/2024

DAFF Timber Testing Trial Reveals Urgent Need for Stronger Illegal Logging Laws 🌳 🌏

The results of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) recent timber testing trial have highlighted critical gaps in the traceability and legality of timber products entering the Australian market. The trial tested 146 timber products from 39 distinct species using advanced scientific techniques such as DNA analysis and stable isotope testing. Shockingly, 25% of the products tested showed inconsistencies with declared species or origin.

Key Findings:

🌳 25% of tested products had discrepancies in species, origin, or both.

🌳 Illegal logging remains a significant global environmental issue, impacting biodiversity, climate, and economies.

🌳 Despite many businesses complying with regulations, some are deceiving consumers and undermining Australia’s biosecurity.

See source here: https://tinyurl.com/47x88n3x

05/11/2024

💫 🌳 Understanding Nature Disconnection and Eco-Anxiety in Young People: A Growing Challenge

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from The University of Adelaide has conducted an insightful study into the growing phenomenon of nature disconnection and eco-anxiety among young people. Their findings, published in Environmental Education Research, shed light on the emotional and psychological impacts of the environmental crisis on today’s youth.

✨ Key Insights:

☘ Rising Eco-Anxiety: A significant increase in eco-anxiety among young people, who are deeply concerned about the state of the environment but feel powerless to create meaningful change. Many struggle with a sense of hopelessness and fear for the future of the planet.

☘ Nature Disconnection: Young people today spend less time outdoors compared to previous generations. This disconnect from nature not only contributes to eco-anxiety but also reduces their ability to form meaningful relationships with the environment.

☘ The Impact of Education: Outdoor education and field trips can help foster stronger connections to nature, with positive impacts on students' well-being. However, there is a complex paradox: young people who develop a strong connection to nature may experience more intense emotional distress when confronting the realities of environmental degradation.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/bddryanh

30/10/2024

It’s inspiring to hear about the resilience of the Australian bush following devastating fires. The perspective from the Environment Institute’s Wayne Boardman highlights an important aspect of the ecosystem: that fire is a natural part of its life cycle. Many native plants have evolved to not only withstand fire but to thrive in its aftermath. 🌿

The ability of the landscape to recover, given the right conditions, speaks to the resilience of nature and the complex adaptations that have developed over millions of years. This recovery is a testament to the power of ecosystems to rebound, even after catastrophic events. It also underscores the importance of protecting and restoring these environments to support their natural regeneration processes. The journey of recovery can be both a challenge and a source of hope, reminding us of the need to respect and understand the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

Read article here on “How fire has shaped the unique ecology of South Australia’ https://shorturl.at/29MzM

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29/10/2024

🌊 Exciting news from the Pacific region!

The Pacific Academy of Sciences has been officially launched alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. This new academy aims to be a strong advocate for science, promoting the study and application of natural and social sciences, the humanities, Indigenous Knowledge, and technology for the benefit of the Pacific Islands and beyond.

With the election of 12 distinguished scholars as Foundation Fellows, the academy is poised to make a significant impact in fostering collaboration and innovation across disciplines. Based in Apia, Samoa, it stands as a charitable trust dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing the unique challenges faced by the Pacific Islands.

Congratulations to all involved in this important initiative! 🎉



📷 Above: The Pacific Academy of Science’s 12 Foundation Fellows, and its first Honorary Fellow Professor Sir Peter Gluckman.