Griffith University: Climate action research shines amid COP26 negotiations
With all eyes on the global climate summit held in Glasgow, Griffith University researchers are investigating how climate change really impacts our communities, businesses and environment, and developing practical pathways to enable a climate-ready Australia.
Griffith Climate Action Beacon, directed by climate change expert Professor Brendan Mackey, has harnessed climate action expertise across the university’s disciplines including science, health, business, creative arts and law to explore:
What Australians really think about climate change;
How hospitals can transition to climate resilient, low-carbon sustainable practices;
The development of an early warning system for older residents during extreme heat events;
The mitigation benefits from natural forest protection and restoration;
How first Nation communities can be climate ready;
Engaging youth through informed climate action.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference UK2021, the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) who are signatories to the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, will be held in Glasgow until Nov 12.
As ‘greater ambition around climate action’ will be a key aim of COP26 negotiations, Professor Mackey said there was no better time for Griffith’s Climate Action researchers to help motivate climate action and partner with communities, business and governments in helping make the necessary transitions to a climate resilient and net zero emissions world.
More information on Climate Action research will be shared prior to COP26, including:
Outcomes from the National Climate Action Survey and Big Data Analytics – do we really know what Australians think about climate change and want actions they want to see? The results from thousands of survey respondents and a unique analysis of social media posts will offer an accurate representation of their views and sentiments across various demographics and locations;
Building a Net Zero Future: Australian Businesses Taking Science-Based Climate Action – this publication draws on interviews with Australian businesses and organisations, including case studies of the approaches adopted by seven organisations when setting science-based targets to reach net zero carbon emissions (Bank Australia, Downer, Intrepid Travel and Transurban).
The Climate Action Beacon will also host the Difficult Conversation Series on November 1-5 at the State Library of Queensland. The event will be livestreamed and open to the public with different topics covered each day including: What becomes of the uninsurable?; Will Australia end up with ghost towns?; and What kind of health risks will climate change bring?