Year in Review: 2018

The 2018 Year in Review of Future Earth Australia arrives as a range of critical environmental issues are devastating Australian communities. From the floods and stock drownings in Far North Queensland and the heat waves nationally, to the fish kills on the Darling River and the bushfires raging through New South Wales and Victoria, our community is struggling to cope with the effects of environmental changes as they interact with poor decisions of the past. Indeed, as we write, Australia’s first extinction due to climate change, that of the Bramble Cay melomys, has been confirmed. The past year has also been characterised by polemic debates about population, city congestion and infrastructure, the dire state of our recycling sector, and the cost of housing. But there is a distinct shift in the tone of the public discourse as we move into 2019. The business (and particularly finance) sector in Australia is demanding action on sustainability, as an agenda emerges in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. More people are asking how the idea of a ‘circular economy’ might benefit our community, business and policy. Australians—especially young Australians—are insisting that issues like resource scarcity, community health and wellbeing, climate change and sustainable development matter to them. Providing responses to all of these challenges demands integrated, interdisciplinary and ‘impact oriented’ approaches to research, which is precisely what Future Earth Australia is starting to deliver.

This year, FEA has proved that it can provide the ‘enabling environment’ needed to bring diverse research and societal voices together to focus on the strategic needs of the nation. The range of activities outlined in this report speak to the establishment of that unique convening capability. It is highlighted by the progress made by FEA and its university, government, industry and community partners towards co-developing a long-term decadal plan for cities, but you will find other emerging topics also. FEA also takes seriously its role in assisting the next generation of researchers to carry out these integrated activities better, as shown by the successful year of early-career activities.

Enjoy reading this Year in Review! We look forward to members consolidating FEA’s work plan and building on these initial successes in 2019.