Regulating the Climate Finance Revolution. This project aims to identify how financial market regulators might best incentivise financial institutions to shift from high to low carbon investments, thereby mitigating climate change. It expects to generate new knowledge identifying regulatory excellence in previously uncharted territory and to enable best practice policymaking. Its expected outcomes will be to identify the central roles that the design and implementation of regulation can play in ....Regulating the Climate Finance Revolution. This project aims to identify how financial market regulators might best incentivise financial institutions to shift from high to low carbon investments, thereby mitigating climate change. It expects to generate new knowledge identifying regulatory excellence in previously uncharted territory and to enable best practice policymaking. Its expected outcomes will be to identify the central roles that the design and implementation of regulation can play in fast tracking finance for climate action. Its benefits should include advancing climate change mitigation, facilitating the development of Australia as a competitive sustainable finance market and contributing to Australia’s research on achieving a desirable energy future. Read moreRead less
Smart materials for atmospheric water management and water harvesting. Fresh water is a scarce resource in many parts of the globe but uncomfortably over-supplied in other regions. Dehumidifying machines, such as air conditioners, are extensively used in humid climates to enhance human comfort, but with great energy costs. Likewise, the production of potable water in remote dry regions is energy intensive. We propose novel hyper-absorbent desiccating polymers combined into sorption-powered engin ....Smart materials for atmospheric water management and water harvesting. Fresh water is a scarce resource in many parts of the globe but uncomfortably over-supplied in other regions. Dehumidifying machines, such as air conditioners, are extensively used in humid climates to enhance human comfort, but with great energy costs. Likewise, the production of potable water in remote dry regions is energy intensive. We propose novel hyper-absorbent desiccating polymers combined into sorption-powered engines inspired by nastic movements in plants to develop extremely efficient dehumidifiers and water harvesting machines. These polymer actuators can help address the auto-acceleration of climate change caused by the increasing use of air conditioners and provide cheap, clean water for remote communities.Read moreRead less
Sea Change: Co-developing Pathways To Mitigate And Adapt To A Changing Climate For Fisheries And Aquaculture In Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$1,628,586.00
Summary
There is a need to increase effective engagement between fishing and aquaculture stakeholders and climate science and scientists in an ongoing strategic way, and not ‘just’ for single-project outcomes.
Improved engagement will help increase understanding of the likely implications of a changing climate in relevant contexts, and lay foundations for a shared exploration of available options for reducing risk exposure. We have worked with stakeholders and the FRDC Extension Officer Networ ....There is a need to increase effective engagement between fishing and aquaculture stakeholders and climate science and scientists in an ongoing strategic way, and not ‘just’ for single-project outcomes.
Improved engagement will help increase understanding of the likely implications of a changing climate in relevant contexts, and lay foundations for a shared exploration of available options for reducing risk exposure. We have worked with stakeholders and the FRDC Extension Officer Network to design a strategy that will engage fishing and aquaculture stakeholders on existing knowledge regarding risks and opportunities associated with a changing climate, to enable resource managers and researchers to better understand the ways in which many sectors are already adapting autonomously and to identify the barriers to further adaptation, and to co-design solutions that are relevant at local- and industry-levels to help build climate-ready communities and to stimulate economic resilience.
In many cases (but not all), extensive information regarding marine climate change - including key risks to fisheries and aquaculture producers (at a high level) - is already available, along with information on how to develop adaptation plans. However, despite this, progress and uptake within most sectors in terms of planned adaptation responses has been very slow – although many individual operators are already making ‘autonomous’ changes to their day-to-day operations in response to climate change drivers. If these changes are being made without access to best available knowledge, then it is very likely that substantial portions of these responses are maladaptive in the longer term, or may be countervailing to planned government adaptations (see Pecl et al 2019, Ambio, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13280-019-01186-x). This is a pattern evident within many different industries around Australia and across the rest of the world. ‘What’ needs to happen has thus been outlined in general terms in many cases, but such information is not co-developed or provided in consultation with end-users in ways that resonate or are useful to them. This project will address this need for relevance and usefulness.
The project aims to develop reflexive, ongoing, and two-way knowledge exchange between industry representatives, operators and manager, and the marine climate change impacts and adaptation research sector, so that solutions are co-designed, usable, and adoptable.
Objectives: 1. Work with seafood industry leaders to establish two-way climate conversations that can strengthen and underpin Australian fishing and aquaculture’s resilience to a changing climate. This approach will facilitate co-design of pathways to increase agility and build capacity for climate change adaptation with a select number of fisheries and aquaculture operations. This process will also create a model that can be applicable to other RDC’s. 2. Create a climate conversations platform to facilitate knowledge exchange (including identifying ‘gaps’ and shared issues), and thus capture, disseminate, and showcase:a. How fishing and aquaculture sectors are already adapting and responding to recent changesb. What has facilitated these changes made, and what the barriers are to further adaptationc. The story of fishing and aquaculture’s efforts towards achieving climate resilience - using a dynamic ‘story map’ approach, and other multi-media, communicate progress to target audiences. 3. Identify a) key factors influencing the agility of fisheries and aquaculture to adapt to climate change, and b) which factors (e.g. opportunities) are most important for adaptation capacity-building for different types of operations - building on work underway across multiple domestic and international projects and working groups. 4. Co-develop pathways, with a select number of fisheries and aquaculture operations, to increase their agility and build sector capacity for climate change adaptation and resilience. 5. Support the development of communities of practice for groups of fisheries and/or aquaculture operations that have similar opportunities and pathways – to support increased agility and capacity building for climate change adaptation (determined in objective 3). Read moreRead less
Seaweed Production As A Nutrient Offset For Moreton Bay
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$370,000.00
Summary
Moreton Bay is a 1,500 km-squared urbanised estuary adjacent to one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. Rapid population growth creates a challenge for wastewater utilities to deal with the increase in nutrient loads. This includes the single largest asset of Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU), the Luggage Point Sewage Treatment Plant, at the mouth of the Brisbane River that discharges into the bay. At the same time, on the eastern side of Moreton Bay, the Queensland rock oyster indu .... Moreton Bay is a 1,500 km-squared urbanised estuary adjacent to one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. Rapid population growth creates a challenge for wastewater utilities to deal with the increase in nutrient loads. This includes the single largest asset of Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU), the Luggage Point Sewage Treatment Plant, at the mouth of the Brisbane River that discharges into the bay. At the same time, on the eastern side of Moreton Bay, the Queensland rock oyster industry faces reduced productivity due to environmental change, disease and algal blooms, and challenges associated with the business risks presented by monoculture. Here, communities on Minjerribah (Nth Stradbroke Island) are also investigating new opportunities during their transition away from sand mining, and Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) has Native Title on a large tract of the Moreton Bay Marine Park, which to date is mostly unutilised.
Seaweed production offers a unique and timely solution to address some of the economic, environmental and social challenges in Moreton Bay. Seaweed farming is a “no-feed” form of aquaculture; it is zero waste and compatible with oyster farming and marine park zoning. Seaweeds grow quickly and strip nutrients from the water column, draw down carbon dioxide and can remove pollutants such as heavy metals. At the right scale, seaweed farming will reverse environmental change. Because of this, QUU and the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) are evaluating how much nutrient can be extracted from the bay as an offset for their discharge licences, to avoid substantial capital investment in sewage treatment whilst delivering better environmental outcomes for each dollar spent.
At more than 25 million tonnes per year, seaweed is the largest marine crop in the world. Southeast Queensland is the perfect setting for developing a seaweed industry – ample light, warm water and existing aquaculture leases with farmers, such as Moreton Bay Rock Oysters (MBRO), seeking to diversify their production. Investing in seaweed production will create a new industry for our coastal communities with accountable environmental services and sustainable products.
Objectives: 1. Compare and contrast the nutrient offset and sequestration potential of target seaweeds in controlled experiments 2. Evaluate seaweed production systems using commercially available aquaculture equipment during the scale-up of target seaweeds 3. Determine the yield and properties of harvested seaweed from a year-round pilot production trial at two sites within Moreton Bay 4. Assess the potential effects of seaweed culture on water quality and adjacent marine animals and vegetation 5. Model the removal of nutrients, carbon and other pollutants and the offset capacity of seaweed farming for Moreton Bay Read moreRead less
Aqueous fluids in the deep earth. This project aims to improve our understanding of the role of fluids in controlling exchanges between the deep Earth, shallow rocks, and atmosphere. The project expects to investigate some of the key weaknesses in the thermodynamic models that are used to predict the behaviour of sulphur, carbon and metals in fluids at high pressure and temperature by using recent advances in computational and experimental (geo)chemistry. Integrated in large-scale geodynamic mod ....Aqueous fluids in the deep earth. This project aims to improve our understanding of the role of fluids in controlling exchanges between the deep Earth, shallow rocks, and atmosphere. The project expects to investigate some of the key weaknesses in the thermodynamic models that are used to predict the behaviour of sulphur, carbon and metals in fluids at high pressure and temperature by using recent advances in computational and experimental (geo)chemistry. Integrated in large-scale geodynamic models, the more reliable predictions will provide a more realistic assessment of the role of sulphur in controlling metal endowment and atmospheric chemistry through geological times. This should provide a useful guide for mineral exploration and planetary science.Read moreRead less
Mechanisms of proxy uptake in biominerals. This project plans to combine nano-analytical and aquaculture methods to develop new models that improve the reliability of paleoclimate reconstructions. The compositions of shells and skeletal materials of marine invertebrates are essential archives for quantifying temperatures and environmental conditions before modern climate records began. However, their reliability relies on understanding their formation. Emerging knowledge from material sciences i ....Mechanisms of proxy uptake in biominerals. This project plans to combine nano-analytical and aquaculture methods to develop new models that improve the reliability of paleoclimate reconstructions. The compositions of shells and skeletal materials of marine invertebrates are essential archives for quantifying temperatures and environmental conditions before modern climate records began. However, their reliability relies on understanding their formation. Emerging knowledge from material sciences indicates that these biocarbonates form via transient precursors rather than direct precipitation from seawater, profoundly affecting their interpretation. This project plans to transfer this new understanding to the earth sciences using nanoscale analytical methods including in vitro geochemical partitioning experiments. This would enable realistic models for geochemical proxy behaviour to be developed, significantly improving paleoclimate interpretations and assessments of ocean acidification effects on marine calcifiers.Read moreRead less
Accelerating zero-emission vehicle adoption in Australian cities . This project aims to devise effective policy mixes and sequences to inform policymakers on the process of zero-emission vehicle adoption policy development, adjustment, and implementation in Australian cities. Taking Canberra as a case study, it intends to understand and integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives into policy processes, and explore the synergies and trade-offs among multiple goals and measures, to inform and enhan ....Accelerating zero-emission vehicle adoption in Australian cities . This project aims to devise effective policy mixes and sequences to inform policymakers on the process of zero-emission vehicle adoption policy development, adjustment, and implementation in Australian cities. Taking Canberra as a case study, it intends to understand and integrate diverse stakeholder perspectives into policy processes, and explore the synergies and trade-offs among multiple goals and measures, to inform and enhance the policy goals and interventions occurring across time scales and sectors. Expected outcomes include a framework to co-design policy measures and incentive structures for shared learning in Australia and globally. This should contribute to both urban mitigation and the incubation of new business ecosystems.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL230100021
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,141,020.00
Summary
Cities as transformative agents for a climate-safe future. This project aims to address how cities can transform towards a climate-safe future- achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while also enhancing resilience to climate impacts. By reconceptualising cities as transformative agents, this project aims to generate ground-breaking theoretical and empirical knowledge on how cities evolve and transform, how they can network to enhance resilience to climate impacts, and what governance innovations ....Cities as transformative agents for a climate-safe future. This project aims to address how cities can transform towards a climate-safe future- achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while also enhancing resilience to climate impacts. By reconceptualising cities as transformative agents, this project aims to generate ground-breaking theoretical and empirical knowledge on how cities evolve and transform, how they can network to enhance resilience to climate impacts, and what governance innovations can set them onto accelerated pathways towards a climate-safe future. Aspired outcomes include advanced knowledge, new urban climate policy and practice, and a diverse pool of globally connected, next generation researchers, placing Australia at the forefront of integrative urban science and practice. Read moreRead less
Attendance And Participation At The Governing Changing Oceans Workshop And PICES-5th International Symposium On The Effects Of Climate Change On The World’s Ocean - Bergen Norway
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$15,000.00
Summary
Workshop: The workshop is being hosted Tiffany Morrison, Pip Cohen, Gretta Pecl and Emily Ogier. Their approach is to bring together a small group of exceptional multi-disciplinary researchers and practitioners with expertise in governance, fisheries, climate science, blue carbon, blue finance, blue conservation, Indigenous governance, co-management, and community resilience. It is our aim that discussions will be focused towards producing a jointly authored paper targeted at Nature or Science, ....Workshop: The workshop is being hosted Tiffany Morrison, Pip Cohen, Gretta Pecl and Emily Ogier. Their approach is to bring together a small group of exceptional multi-disciplinary researchers and practitioners with expertise in governance, fisheries, climate science, blue carbon, blue finance, blue conservation, Indigenous governance, co-management, and community resilience. It is our aim that discussions will be focused towards producing a jointly authored paper targeted at Nature or Science, complemented by a marine intervention governance protocol and self-assessment tool.
Similarly the ECCWO5 symposium will bring together experts from around the world to better understand climate impacts on ocean ecosystems, the ecosystem services they provide, and the people, businesses and communities that depend on them. The 2023 event will highlight the latest information on how oceans are changing, what is at risk, responses that are underway, and strategies for increasing climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation. It aims to identify key knowledge gaps, promote collaborations, and stimulate the next generation of science and actions.Read moreRead less
Centro Workshop - Actions And Management Outcomes For Longspined Sea Urchin
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$50,000.00
Summary
The proposed workshop will span over two days and will include a combination of presentations, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and field demonstrations. The workshop will address Action Areas 2 and 3, with a focus on management outcomes that are achievable under current resourcing levels. Input from industry stakeholders including divers and processors, Indigenous leaders in cultural enterprises, and the recreational and eco-tourism sector representatives will be invaluable in guid ....The proposed workshop will span over two days and will include a combination of presentations, panel discussions, interactive sessions, and field demonstrations. The workshop will address Action Areas 2 and 3, with a focus on management outcomes that are achievable under current resourcing levels. Input from industry stakeholders including divers and processors, Indigenous leaders in cultural enterprises, and the recreational and eco-tourism sector representatives will be invaluable in guiding the future direction of Government and Research approaches.
Workshop Objectives 1. Collaboration to determine centro management activities that can be delivered in the short to mid-term. 2. Prioritisation of long-term environmental health across the range of centro, defined as functioning ecosystems that deliver key ecosystem services and support sustainable fisheries. 3. Exploration of opportunities for the harvesting and processing sector –innovations, market expansion, value-adding 4. Fostering of cross-jurisdictional and inter-sectoral relationships and information sharing
Objectives: 1. 1. Collaboration to determine centro management activities that can be delivered in the short to mid-term. 2. 2. Prioritisation of long-term environmental health across the range of centro, defined as functioning ecosystems that deliver key ecosystem services and support sustainable fisheries. 3. 3. Exploration of opportunities for the harvesting and processing sector –innovations, market expansion, value-adding 4. 4. Fostering of cross-jurisdictional and inter-sectoral relationships and information sharing Read moreRead less