Future Earth Australia Year in Review 2024

A Message from Kate Nairn, Head of Future Earth Australia

Looking back on 2024 I am immensely proud of the work Future Earth Australia has achieved. We demonstrated our leadership in convening transdisciplinary research by updating our Urban Sustainability Strategy and developing the capacity of our early career ocean professionals. We continued the work as a knowledge broker to deliver robust advice to decision makers when it counts. And excitingly, Future Earth Australia has reengaged with our international partners, particularly the Belmont Forum. Of course, we couldn’t do what we do without our incredible project and funding partners.

Renewing agreements with members required a lot of energy in 2024, and I’m pleased that most continue to value the network and services that Future Earth Australia provides.

The past year brought a lot of challenges and change. At home, increasing cost of living and housing crunches put even more stress on Australians. Worldwide, the ongoing wars and climate impacts put pressure on the planet and weigh down our collective hearts. The exponential rise of AI technology continues apace bringing both promise and pitfalls.

Over 80 countries had national, state or local elections in 2024, with between 2 and 4 billion people heading to the polls. The results show how discontented we are as a species with the status quo.

Late-stage capitalism is clearly not serving people or the planet. Thankfully, there are really amazing people doing great work, and the trends are moving in the right direction. With the UK closing its last coal fired power station, deforestation in the Amazon falling by 50%, and the EU criminalising ecological damage there are many reasons to stay hopeful.

Here, the FEA community is well established and growing. It feels wonderful to be a part of a community dedicated to making nature thrive, making our society more connected, and safeguarding our planet for future generations.

In so many of my conversations, connection was a central theme that replayed in 2024. The connection between biodiversity and climate solutions, the connection across jurisdictions in recognition of our shared values and priorities, and the importance of connection to ourselves, to each other, and to the Earth as foundation.

Again, I am thrilled with the connections FEA has maintained and grown over the past year, so that we can continue to cultivate the future we want together. Thank you for being a part of that.

Kate Nairn

Head of Future Earth Australia

Become a member of Future Earth Australia 

Future Earth Australia connects top Australian sustainability research organisations and is uniquely placed as an independent, cross-sector, transdisciplinary peak body. We provide Australian researchers and institutions pathways to collaborate nationally and internationally on global change and resilience issues. 

To discuss how your research organisation, NGO, or Department can help catalyse progress for sustainability transformations contact Kate Nairn: kate.nairn@science.org.au