Dear QUT graduate
Environmental issues and sustainability have emerged as key concerns for the Australian public, as illustrated during this year’s federal election, when Australians voted for strong climate action. As a progressive educational and research institution, QUT has long been engaged with sustainability and environmental issues and recognises climate change as a critical concern requiring an urgent response from all organisations and individuals.
Over the past 20 years, at several universities and NGOs, I have led and conducted research into the science, strategy and policy of environmental conservation and management.
In my current role as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability Strategy) at QUT, I know how crucial sustainability is for all of us to understand, which is why I am excited to be this month’s guest editor and to share what’s happening across the university and in our community when it comes to our research, teaching programs, campus operations and partnerships.
If you would like to learn more about our institutional commitment to move towards a low-carbon future and reduce activities that result in emissions of greenhouse gases, you can learn more about our sustainability vision or download the QUT Sustainability Action Plan. You might also like to read QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil’s opinion piece on the five ways universities must tackle climate change.
And if you’re on or around campus later this month, don’t forget to check out QUT Sustainability Week 2022 (22-26 August) as we showcase the university's research and educational activities with a focus on environmental sustainability. The week also includes several events you can watch online, including a panel discussion about partnerships powering Australia’s future and a multimedia keynote talk by Dr Chadden Hunter, a Queensland filmmaker and biologist who has spent the last 20 years working alongside Sir David Attenborough directing the world’s most famous nature films.
For now, take a read below to find out more about what's happening in the sustainability space at QUT and what some of your peers are up to out in the real world.
Your guest editor,