Open Day Briefing 2010 Universities as a living laboratory for community mitigation, adaptation and education: The University of Melbourne example Prof David Karoly Danielle Rostan-Herbert Professor of Atmospheric Science Sustainability and Env. Services Manager Prof Rachel Webster Prof John Wiseman President, Academic Board Deputy Dir., Melbourne Sustainable Society Inst
Key Messages IPCC AR5 Synthesis Report Human influence on the climate system is clear The more we disrupt our climate, the more we risk severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts We have the means to limit climate change and build a more prosperous, sustainable future AR5 WGI SPM, AR5 WGII SPM, AR5 WGIII SPM IPCC AR5 Synthesis Report
Some perspectives on Australia Australia is the developed country most at risk from the adverse impacts of climate change Australia has the highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions of any developed country Australia has the highest known reserves of coal of any country, as well as the highest solar energy and wind power potential of any country Australia is the only country that has established an emissions trading scheme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under one government, then revoked it with a new government after two years
The University of Melbourne 47,000 students, including 12,000 international students 6,500 staff The leading research university in Australia Similar in size to many small Australian cities
The University of Melbourne The University aims to deeply embed sustainability across all its activities: research, teaching and learning, engagement, operations and governance. Sustainability is not just about reducing our negative impacts it s about maximising the University s contribution to environmental and social value.
Sustainability Strategy Achieving a sustainable Earth requires global values and actions that are ecologically sound, socially just and economically viable. As a distinguished research and teaching institution, The University of Melbourne has a social responsibility to lead and engage in public debate and action. Through knowledge, imagination and action the University will help shape a sustainable planet and will be an international exemplar of an ecologically sustainable community.
Sustainability Charter 2015 Enduring visions and principles Research underpins the University's contribution to creating a sustainable world. The teaching and learning programs of the University inspire and support students to be leaders for a sustainable future. The University's staff and students actively engage with all sectors to drive progress towards sustainability. Sustainable practices are embedded in all of the University s operations, modelling innovative ways to maximise social and environmental value. The University integrates sustainability principles into its decision-making and the management of the organisation through Governance.
Climate change research
Melbourne Energy Institute Climate change, diminishing resources, and rising energy demand are among the key challenges of our time. To meet these challenges and advance research towards securing a sustainable and affordable energy supply into the future, the Melbourne Energy Institute takes an interdisciplinary and collaborative research approach. Research priorities Energy supply: Solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, nuclear, fuel cells, carbon capture and storage Energy efficiency: Urban planning, architecture, transport, distributed systems,, reliable energy transmission Economic and policy challenges: Market regulation and demand, carbon trading, system modelling, climate change feedbacks, social justice implications of energy policy
Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute Goals: To enable and support Interdisciplinary research High impact publications and events Public engagement and debate Post graduate research and learning...leading to increased understanding of sustainability, resilience and climate challenges and solutions Current priorities
MSSI Climate Transformations Research Cluster Current priorities Climate and energy strategies in countries crucial to rapid implementation of Paris Agreement: eg. India, China, US, EU, Brazil, Australia Subnational climate, energy and resilience strategies Economic decarbonisation strategies: eg. climate finance; coal transition; low carbon land use Key partners include: Climate Reality Project; UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Official Observer status with UNFCCC Government of Victoria; City of Melbourne Australian Conservation Foundation; Environment Victoria, ClimARTe, Beyond Zero Emissions, Carbon Market Institute, Centre for Policy Development
Climate Research Impact Story I Planet to Plate cookbook Partnership with Earth Hour Australia APPETITE FOR CHANGE GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS ON FOOD AND FARMING REGIONS IN AUSTRALIA PREPARED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE FOR EARTH HOUR 2015
Climate Research Impact Story II Art + Climate = Change Partnership with ClimARTe in support of coordinated series of exhibitions at more than 20 art galleries around Melbourne
Climate Research Impact Story III CoE Climate System Science University of Melbourne is a node in the Centre of Excellence, based at the University of New South Wales One research example: Great Barrier Reef bleaching would be almost impossible without climate change March 2016 record sea surface temperatures (SST) and 93% of reef experienced bleaching Human-caused climate change has increased the likelihood of record SSTs by at least 175 times By 2034, such temperatures occur ever second year
20 PhD students co-located on interdisciplinary projects Australian-German Climate and Energy College
Teaching and learning Climate and climate change taught in 63 undergraduate subjects and 93 graduate subjects in Faculties of Science, Arts, Law, Business and Economics, Agriculture, Medicine, and Engineering Climate change majors available in BSc, BA and Master of Environment degrees through Schools of Earth Sciences, Geography, Ecosystem and Forest Science, and Environmental Programs
Towards a sustainable, low emissions campus As Australia s leading research-intensive institution, some 1300 researchers at the University apply their expertise in fields relevant to sustainability and resilience, with annual research expenditure of $218 million. The use of the University campuses as living laboratories of sustainable and resilient communities enhances the Melbourne experience for students, staff and our broader community.
Towards a sustainable, low emissions campus Highlights in 2015 Cut energy usage by 21%, energy related nett carbon emissions by 50% and water by 31%, based on the University s floor area since 2006 Goal for carbon neutral campus by 2030 Launched the Sustainability Charter Offset 100% of fuel emissions on the motor vehicle fleet Increased on-campus energy generation from solar photovoltaics to >200kW Campus energy projects since 2008 contribute annual savings of $3.13 million and over 33k tonnes of carbon emissions
Some remaining challenges Operations: Grappling with decision on divestment, under pressure from student groups and staff Operations: Carbon accounts do not include staff airline travel, ongoing discussions on offsetting Teaching: Sustainability and climate change learning can be avoided by many students Research: University funding channeled through Faculties, does not encourage cross-disciplinary research Research: While there are human ethics and animal ethics requirements for research, there are no sustainability ethics requirements
Universities as drivers of climate change action: our experience Importance of. Integrated, cross-disciplinary approach Linking research, teaching, engagement and campus action Linking staff and students with government, business and community University as living laboratory Strong investment in communications to key audiences