GLOBAL CHANGE INSTITUTE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT
With immense change comes enormous opportunity. The Global Change Institute is committed to meeting the challenges of a changing world. Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Director, Global Change Institute
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CONTENTS 2 About the Global Change Institute (GCI)
6 Lead Change
18 Change Makers
26 Create Change
3 The University of Queensland (UQ) Vice-Chancellor and President’s Message
8 Year in Review
20 International Relations
28 Professional Service
10 Discussion Papers
22 Government Engagement
29 Scientific Seminars
12 Flagship Projects
23 Informing Policy
30 Community Events
14 Food Systems Program
24 Global Change Scholars Program
3 1 Institute Facilities
15 Healthy Oceans Program
25 Multidisciplinary Learning Online
32 Advisory Board
4 GCI Advisory Board’s Message 5 GCI Director’s Message
1 6 Sustainable Water Program
3 4 GCI People
17 Clean Energy Program
3 6 Financial Statement 37 Collaborators
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ABOUT THE GLOBAL CHANGE INSTITUTE GCI mission
To advance discovery, create solutions and influence decisionmakers to position The University of Queensland as a global leader in addressing the challenges of a changing world. GCI vision
To foster discovery, learning and engagement by creating, applying and transferring knowledge for innovative and integrated solutions to the multitude of global challenges currently facing global society.
The complexity of responding to global change can be simplified into a cycle designed to ‘inspire’, ‘involve’, ‘influence’ and ‘impact’. The Global Change Institute at The University of Queensland is committed to having a positive impact through this cycle, whereby change is proactively sought and implemented.
INSPIRE
INVOLVE Industry/ Government Forums
Media Links Engage Thought Leaders
Interactive Media
Public Profile
Alliances and Partnerships
Change Practice
Research Funding Business Initiatives and Innovation
Online Training and Education Policy Reform
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Research Papers
Report Cards and Benchmarking
INFLUENCE
UQ VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It’s difficult to recall a time when research impact has been scrutinised as thoroughly as it is in the current environment. Traditional measures of research output – such as scholarly articles, conference papers and academic awards – remain important indicators of impact. However, increasingly researchers must contend with the wider community’s desire to visualise immediate, tangible, real-world impact. Non-traditional outputs such as influencing policy, working with industry stakeholders, and significant online impact, are more and more valued by political leaders, research partners and funding organisations alike. The University’s Global Change Institute was established as an independent source of innovative research, ideas and advice for addressing the challenges of a changing world. Its impact by both traditional and non-traditional measures has been considerable. Highlights in 2016 have included: ◆◆
The development of discussion papers and commissioned policy papers for government organisations, including the UK Ministry of Defence, and the Australian and Queensland governments, as well as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the World Bank
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A 40 per cent annual reduction in grid electricity use on the Gatton campus, following the first year of operation of the Gatton Solar Research Facility
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Finalising mapping and analysis of more than 1000km of reefscape across 22 countries, marking the completion of the first stage of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey.
The ‘wicked problems’ of our generation require researchers to intertwine disciplinary strengths to achieve outcomes and responses that would not be possible in research silos. Consequently, the cornerstone of many GCI research projects is a commitment to adopting an interdisciplinary approach. It was this type of research that was applauded by the UQ Academic Board’s 2016 review of the Institute.
The Global Change Institute’s impact by Below: Image caption to go here. both traditional and non-traditional measures has been considerable.
I congratulate Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg for his leadership, and thank the GCI team for their role as an exemplar of interdisciplinary research and for their contributions to addressing some of the world’s most difficult challenges. Professor Peter Høj Vice-Chancellor and President | The University of Queensland
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GCI ADVISORY BOARD’S MESSAGE In recent years the Global Change Institute has developed a reputation for tackling the most complex issues through academic endeavour and an interdisciplinary approach. In 2016 that reputation was enhanced through the GCI’s Academic Review when the University Review Committee acknowledged the validity of the GCI concept. As is to be expected with any Review process, the Committee made a number of recommendations, which will further enhance the Institute’s outputs and related impacts.
This transition has been greatly assisted by Professor Karen Hussey, who commenced as the GCI Deputy Director in late 2015. Her skill set has complemented the attributes of GCI Director Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg to ensure the Institute’s success throughout 2016.
Through the review process it became apparent that the Global Change Institute is one of few interdisciplinary research organisations focused on the impacts of global change. Solutions to many of the biggest issues facing humanity today already exist – however the solutions to these issues cannot be unearthed without working across the traditional disciplinary boundaries of academia. What has set the GCI apart is the ability of researchers to work across those disciplines to help address the technological, population and environmental issues facing billions of people globally.
I thank my fellow Board members for sharing their experience and enthusiasm to the Institute’s benefit and I look forward to their on-going contribution.
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Along with my fellow Board Members, I share the belief that the legacy of the GCI will be genuine, long-lasting impact for many years.
The Honourable Professor Robert Hill AC Chair | Global Change Institute Advisory Board
Along with my fellow Board Members, I share the belief that the legacy of the GCI will be genuine, long-lasting impact for many years.
GCI DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE In today’s society we are constantly told the rate of change is greater than at any time in history. Advances in technology are continual, the race to address climate change is intensifying and the enormity of global growth can be overwhelming. However, with immense change comes enormous opportunity and the Global Change Institute is meeting the challenges of a changing world. In 2016 the Institute looked at these challenges and opportunities through the fresh eyes of its UQ Academic Review. While acknowledging the existing track record and successes of the Institute, the Review Committee recognised the advantages of a truly interdisciplinary research approach and the benefits of non-traditional research outcomes. The GCI is expanding its efforts to ensure appropriate and rigorous advice for policy-makers, both domestically and internationally, and enhanced industry and community engagement. Influencing change is only possible through real world impact and I am pleased with this new focus. In line with this, the GCI has also broadened its ability to ensure the best and brightest students are well placed to address global-change related issues. Through the Global Change Scholars Program, administered in partnership with the UQ Graduate School, the Institute is offering 30 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students the opportunity to learn more about the impact of global change. The elite cohort will be mentored by the University’s best academics, engage with industry affected by change and attend a four-day retreat where they will view the impact of human activity first-hand.
The Institute was privileged to welcome Director of Food Systems Professor Bill Bellotti in early 2016. Bill’s interdisciplinary expertise and whole-of-food-system approach is already greatly valued by the Institute and I am appreciative of his input to date. Conversely, it was with sadness that the Institute farewelled Clean Energy Director Professor Paul Meredith in December. Paul was instrumental in developing the GCI vision and was the driving force behind UQ Solar, which holds responsibility for some of the largest solar infrastructure projects in Australia. While we look to a formal replacement in 2017, I would certainly hope to continue our association with Paul into the future. The work of the GCI would not be possible without the efforts of a number of research and professional staff, led by Institute Manager Dr David Harris. I am also grateful for the generosity of our funders, the support provided by the Institute’s Advisory Board and the leadership shown by the University Executive. I thank each of these individuals for their on-going belief in the Institute and its goals. I am particularly grateful to UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj, UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Robyn Ward and GCI Advisory Board Chair the Honourable Professor Robert Hill for their guidance and support in 2016. The on-going insight of these individuals has ensured that the GCI is well positioned for the future. Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Director | Global Change Institute
With immense change comes enormous opportunity and the Global Change Institute is meeting the challenges of a changing world.
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LEAD CHANGE
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The Global Change Institute has an enviable international reputation for conducting interdisciplinary research into the biggest sustainability challenges and opportunities of our time. GCI researchers are working across four programs: ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆◆
Food Systems Healthy Oceans Sustainable Water Clean Energy.
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YEAR IN REVIEW Fighting coral bleaching Then-Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt announced funding for GCI researchers to re-survey the northern and far northern sections of the Great Barrier Reef following the worst global coral bleaching event in recorded history.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Challenging environmental approvals
Sir David Attenborough premiere
Environmental barrister and UQ lecturer Dr Chris McGrath explained the controversial Carmichael Coal Mine approval and implications of the decision.
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation joined UQ in hosting the Australian premiere of David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef.
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
World Science Festival
Food for thought
Federal election
Five-year academic review
National Geographic’s explorer-inresidence Dr Sylvia Earle, James Cook University’s Professor Terry Hughes and the GCI’s Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg joined a panel discussion, Can we save our precious reefs in time?, as part of the prestigious World Science Festival.
The Institute brought together UQ food academics to discuss and agree on a food systems framework to support the research agenda for the revitalised GCI Food Systems Program.
Federal Opposition Leader the Hon. Bill Shorten announced the ALP’s Climate Change Policy ahead of the July election at the Gatton Solar Research Facility.
During the five-year Academic Review of the GCI, the University Review Committee acknowledged the Institute’s academic endeavour and interdisciplinary approach.
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Encouraging dialogue
GCI image competition
Pulse of the nation
The UQ Water Forum showcased University research on management, behaviours and knowledge around water consumption, sanitation and hygiene.
More than 220 people from around the world entered the 2016 GCI image competition with the theme: A view from our waterways: the changing landscape for this vital resource.
The need for food to be on the urban planning agenda and fostering a systems approach were strong messages when the GCI marked the International Year of the Pulse.
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Future-proofing Queensland’s energy The GCI’s Professor Paul Meredith joined an expert panel that advised the Queensland Government on a credible pathway for up to 50 per cent renewable energy use by 2030.
NOVEMBER
Australia: the ‘food bowl’
State of affairs
Shaping our water future
Australia grows enough food to feed three times its population, raising the possibility of a ‘food bowl’ for Asia. GCI Emeritus Professor Tor Hundloe addressed the topic in his new book, Australia’s role in feeding the world: The future of Australian agriculture.
The GCI’s Deputy Director Professor Karen Hussey convened a lively discussion hosted by the UQ Energy Initiative and the Grattan Institute on the impact of the Paris Agreement on Australia’s economy, business and policy-makers.
The GCI’s Associate Professor Eva Abal explained the importance of a holistic waterway approach in a keynote lecture at the World Water Congress and Exhibition in Brisbane.
DECEMBER
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DISCUSSION PAPERS Through its discussion papers, GCI academics are able to provide timely, accessible information to policy-makers, societal leaders and captains of industry in Australia and internationally. Long hot summers impact solar farms El Niño weather patterns are synonymous with long, hot and dry days in Australia. However researchers have found those conditions are not the most productive for photovoltaic solar farms.
“Sale of electricity into the wholesale electricity market, and sale or surrender of eligible renewable energy certificates will all impact the profitability of solar plants – and ultimately provide an indication as to how to make these farms viable,” he said.
Modelling undertaken by Dr Phillip Wild in the Clean Energy Program simulated electricity production from the Gatton Solar Research Facility using 2007 to 2015 weather patterns. It found the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle that occurred in 2013-14 to be the most productive years for the facility.
The latest findings will enable researchers to better forward plan and predict solar farm yields. This will be particularly important in years of El Niño and, conversely, in times of La Niña when monsoonal conditions prevail.
“ENSO years tend to have fairly neutral conditions – they are characterised by neither drought nor heavy rainfall,” Dr Wild said. “In terms of the modelling, the best simulated photovoltaic yields were obtained during 2013 and 2014 when we saw average weather conditions.” In addition to weather, researchers considered the impact of soiling and shading, as well as electrical losses associated with the infrastructure and energy network. Clean Energy Program Director Professor Paul Meredith said the industry was still learning how to maximise its revenue streams.
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“At this stage there are predictions for a weakening La Niña phase in 2017 and 2018, which suggests only average to below average photovoltaic yields in the next couple of years,” Dr Wild said. The research findings were confirmed in two discussion papers, Projecting solar PV yield of the solar array installed at UQ Gatton campus using NREL’s SAM Model and Comparative productive performance of three solar PV technologies installed at UQ Gatton campus.
At this stage there are predictions for a weakening La Niña phase in 2017 and 2018, which suggests only average to below average photovoltaic yields in the next couple of years. Dr Phillip Wild GCI Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Below: Gatton Solar Research Facility.
UN sustainable development goals not as easy as 1, 2, 3 The United Nations’ (UN) sustainable development agenda is ambitious but complex, and Australia will need to take a creative approach if it is to meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs). That was the recommendation from UQ researchers published in a discussion paper ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York in September, where world leaders met to discuss how to achieve the 17 SDGs. Lead author and GCI Sustainable Water researcher Dr Nina Hall identified risks associated with taking a “list-based” approach to meet the goals. Dr Hall and 11 UQ colleagues who co-authored the discussion paper argued any attempt to redress the 17 goals in chronological order could be counter-productive. “While working through the Sustainable Development Goals from number one to 17 may seem logical, it would lead to a haphazard approach that makes it difficult to achieve real change,” she said. “The interdisciplinary nature of the goals means we need serious heavy lifting from governments globally – this is crucial if we are to improve overall sustainable development and, ultimately, health and wellbeing.”
GCI Deputy Director and discussion paper co-author Professor Karen Hussey said the broad scope of the goals placed enormous pressure on governments to coordinate activities and initiatives across multiple government departments, with input from other stakeholders in the economy and society. “Our research found that 21 government departments across Australia have a stake in the goals, all of which will have their own methods for capturing and using data to inform decisionmaking, so it’s a monumental task to coordinate and lead that process over the coming years.” As a result of the discussion paper, Dr Hall was invited to present a seminar at the UN Economic and Social Commission for the Asia-Pacific inaugural SDG Week in November. She presented methods to identify the interlinkages between the SDGs to country representatives from across the region.
The interdisciplinary nature of the goals means we need serious heavy lifting from governments globally – this is crucial if we are to improve overall sustainable development and, ultimately, health and wellbeing. Dr Nina Hall GCI Sustainable Water Program Manager
During the seminar, Dr Hall introduced the Sustainable Water Program’s third discussion paper, examining effective community participation approaches to embed the SDGs at a local level.
She said the goals on climate action and global partnerships had to take priority, if they were to be successful in providing a pathway to end poverty, improve health and education, and enhance environmental outcomes globally.
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GCI FLAGSHIP PROJECTS GCI Flagship Projects
We are the people from that land – centring Indigenous peoples’ rights in a low carbon future
Through the GCI Flagship Projects, the Institute offered two research projects up to $120,000 funding over two years per project.
UQ researchers are developing a new cultural knowledge and transdisciplinary collaboration that will increase understandings of Indigenous human rights vital in addressing the dual challenges of energy transition to a sustainable low carbon future and justice for Indigenous peoples.
Through the project, researchers will collaborate with traditional owners to document knowledge of significant value for this and future generations. In addition, collaboration with ALHR will enable project outcomes that are expected to shape law reform and policy agendas.
The GCI Flagship Project We are the people from that land will map the diverse social, cultural and economic impacts for Indigenous communities associated with large scale coal mining projects in the Galilee Basin in central western Queensland, Australia.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Kristen Lyons from UQ’s School of Social Science said resource extraction resulted in social, environmental and economic impacts for Indigenous groups.
Institute Deputy Director Professor Karen Hussey said the selection criteria placed an emphasis on research projects that were interdisciplinary in nature and showed real world impact. “We did not want to replicate existing, disciplinary funding programs. Instead, the Flagship Program is about bringing researchers together from across disciplinary boundaries, which will lead to new ways of thinking,” Professor Hussey said. “The solutions to some of our greatest challenges already exist. By breaking down research silos, we are encouraging academics to identify how their research can inform policy or investment decision-making, which in turn has the potential to address global change issues currently being faced by society.”
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FUNDING OVER TWO YEARS
The project will also include international comparisons to help identify current Indigenous and human rights issues in the context of international policies and conventions. The project will examine legal and economic frameworks that may assist in the transition to a rights-based, water conservation and low carbon energy future. In undertaking analysis, the research team is partnering with the Wangan and Jagalingou (W&J) Traditional Owners Council as the Australian case study. The W&J Traditional Owners Council from central Queensland is attracting international attention for standing against Adani’s proposed Carmichael mine. The Council opposes the coal mine – which would be on their ancestral lands in central Queensland and would be Australia’s largest – on the grounds that it would destroy their ancestral homelands and lead to massive destructive impacts on the environment and water resources, as well as huge carbon emissions. Significantly, it would threaten the traditional owners’ connection to their lands, and their culture and identity arising from this. Building on relationships between W&J, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) and UQ researchers, the project will develop cultural knowledge and transdisciplinary collaborations that will increase understanding of Indigenous human rights. Such knowledge will be vital in addressing the dual challenges of energy transition and justice for Indigenous peoples.
“As a result, local Indigenous communities are often at the forefront of movements to redefine development, including driving the sustainable and just transition to a low carbon economy,” she said. W&J Council spokesperson Murrawah Johnson expected the project would open social and economic opportunities for W&J in the transition to a low carbon world, while addressing Indigenous rights in the context of domestic and international human rights law. “This is a great opportunity for the Wangan and Jagalingou people to chart a new path to justice and sustainability,” Ms Johnson said. This project is supported by Dr Graeme Wood who, as well as supporting the GCI, strongly backs the work of the W&J Traditional Owners Council. “Through their work, W&J Council leaders are forging new ground in our understanding of Indigenous rights in Australia in the transition to a low carbon and just future,” he said. Associate Professor Lyons said the project had the potential to inform national energy and water policies, and to ensure Australia would meet its international obligations in coming years, including the 2015 Paris Agreement to which Australia is a signatory.
Above: Professor Nancy Pachana.
Greying green Older adults often hold positions of influence in their families, have broad social networks and are motivated to make meaningful contributions to society by engaging with their communities. Equally, there is increasing understanding across all age groups of the impacts of climate change and the importance of affecting change. In this respect, older adults are well positioned to be global change ambassadors – that is, people willing to move in existing and new community groups to promote the benefits of sustainability. Professor Nancy Pachana, from UQ’s School of Psychology, is leading the GCI Flagship Project, Empowering Older Adult Sustainability Ambassadors to Create Positive Environmental and Health Change. She said older adults often had two magic ingredients missing in the lives of younger people: time and experience. “We want to harness the energy and enthusiasm of older Australians, and to give them the appropriate tools to effect change in the world,” Professor Pachana said.
Researchers from the UQ Schools of Business, Education and Psychology will work with US colleagues to learn more about older adults’ existing knowledge of sustainability issues. They then intend to develop an ambassador’s toolkit, which will help people make more sustainable decisions in their everyday lives. The toolkit will also include information enabling ambassadors to more easily explain climate change to the next generation, for example, grandchildren. GCI Program Manager Dr Tyrone Ridgway said the project had the potential to reach existing community networks, such as people in retirement villages, as well as to promote the development of new interest groups. “Importantly, many of the sustainability tools developed through this project will be scalable. Once we have determined existing knowledge levels and how best to engage with the groups, we hope to have global change ambassadors across the country,” he said.
Professor Nancy Pachana UQ School of Psychology
“We know that older people want to leave a positive legacy, but they might not know how to channel concerns about sustainability into positive actions. Our research team is hoping to tap into that by inviting them to be global change ambassadors and to positively influence the world in which we live.”
BY 2050 MORE THAN
25
OF AUSTRALIANS % WILL BE OVER 65
We want to harness the energy and enthusiasm of older Australians, and to give them the appropriate tools to effect change in the world.
40K
AUSTRALIANS WILL BE OVER 100 BY 2055
HALF OF UK BABIES BORN IN 2009 WILL LIVE TO
100
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FOOD SYSTEMS Resetting the table: implementing a food systems research agenda UQ has world class expertise in agricultural science, public health, environmental science and food science; but until now no clear focus on food systems. The GCI Food Systems Program is developing a food systems approach in areas as diverse as sustainable diets, governance and sustainable livelihoods. GCI research is based on the food systems framework developed at the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, and builds on the systemic intervention philosophy and methodology pioneered at the University of Hull. The GCI research has: ◆◆
Wide stakeholder engagement, drawing knowledge and expertise from industry, government and academia
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A strong focus on systems philosophy and methodology. This work has a strong focus on boundary critique, which is a critical, but often ignored, step in research that determines what is included, excluded or marginalised from the project
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Acknowledged the contestable nature of food system interventions. The Program seeks to explore conflict as a source of creative tension leading to transformative change
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Maintained a focus on the higher purpose, to facilitate food systems research to support more sustainable, healthy and ethical food systems.
Change of habitat We all need nutrients for survival – and yet food systems was only a ‘side dish’ when the United Nations convened Habitat III in Quito, Ecuador, in October. Held every 20 years, Habitat Conferences consider how to house, feed and ultimately sustain an increasingly urban global population. Delegate and GCI Food Systems Project Manager Dr Grace Muriuki said the conference was hugely important for future planning and that governments needed to seriously consider issues raised.
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Professor Bill Bellotti GCI Food Systems Program Director
“More than half of the world’s population now lives in cities. While this brings opportunities for employment and economic growth, it also raises challenges. “ Urban food systems are at the centre of sustainable development, and food cannot be separated from all the other dimensions related to urban planning,” she said. “Through the New Urban Agenda, adopted at Habitat III, Australian city planners have an opportunity to craft innovative approaches and build better food systems for cities, while contributing to important global goals.”
Recently appointed Program Director Professor Bill Bellotti said that influencing change within food systems required a multi-layered approach. “Further, small changes in our diet have the potential for substantial benefits for our personal health and the health of the planet,” Professor Bellotti said.
Small changes in our diet have the potential for substantial benefits for our personal health and the health of the planet.
Above: Food Systems Program Director Professor Bill Bellotti.
72M
MEALS ARE EATEN IN AUSTRALIA DAILY
250+
PEOPLE INTERACTED DURING WORLD FOOD DAY
HEALTHY OCEANS
w
Waterfront dreams could be washed away
Wave of concern over mass bleaching
The waterfront dreams of thousands of south-east Queensland residents could be washed away if they don’t prepare for the expected impacts of climate change.
GCI, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announced the third global bleaching event in October 2015, after XL Catlin Seaview Survey observations in Hawaii.
With funding from the Federal Department of Environment, GCI marine biologists resurveyed Great Barrier Reef sites they had visited in 2012 and 2014. The mission marked the end of the first phase of the XL Catlin Seaview Survey.
Following the same pattern as the first global bleaching event in 1998, bleaching was recorded in the South Pacific in early 2016, with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) confirming bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in March 2016.
During the four-year project, researchers mapped more than 1000km of reef scape in 22 countries and collected more than 600,000 images for scientific analysis.
That’s the warning from GCI researcher Dr Morena Mills who surveyed more than 400 residents living in areas prone to sea level rise and temporary inundation. “Coastal property owners recognise flooding risk, but only half of those previously affected by extreme events adapted and usually adaptations were minimal. While flood maps are increasingly accessible, people do not always use them due to, for example, fears of how this information will affect house prices,” she said.
In April, GCI Director and Healthy Oceans Program Director Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg said more than half of the corals in many parts of the Great Barrier Reef were dying, making it “the worst coral bleaching episode in Australia’s history”.
In the research, published in Climatic Change in March, Dr Mills warned people should see climate change as an on-going future scenario, rather than one-off events where government assistance would be available.
GCI Healthy Oceans Program Manager and coral expert Dr Tyrone Ridgway said the frequency of bleaching events over the past 20 years was reducing recovery time and weakening the corals’ ability to bounce back.
UQ TC Beirne School of Law co-author Dr Justine Bell-James said we needed to learn from the United States model.
“It’s not just about the Great Barrier Reef. Previously, scientists thought the reefs off Western Australia could withstand bleaching and that southern waters around Sydney would be too cool for bleaching — this year has shown that is not the case,” Dr Ridgway said.
“Federal assistance is usually only available under special conditions and is conditional upon the person obtaining flood insurance. This creates a community expectation that disaster relief will be a one-off occurrence, which is a very different mindset to here in Australia,” Dr Bell-James said.
600K
IMAGES ANALYSED THROUGH THE XL CATLIN SEAVIEW SURVEY
“In addition to scientific discovery, the XL Catlin Seaview Survey has enabled more people to undertake ‘virtual dives’ than have ever been diving in person,” Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said. “Not only do these experiences make people more aware of the reef, but they also become more interested in protecting this precious ecosystem for future generations.”
“If we have another harsh summer or a serious cyclone, it will set the clock back even further.”
$
548B
MELANESIA’S OCEAN ASSETS: GCI-AUTHORED WWF REPORT
16
GCI-ASSOCIATED RESEARCHERS ATTENDED THE INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF SOCIETY CONFERENCE
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SUSTAINABLE WATER Making a splash in India
Basic needs, complex challenges
In August, India experienced ‘water riots’ in the southern city of Bengaluru, stemming from water access issues relating to the Cauvery River, a crucial source of water for agriculture, industry and residents. In parallel, groundwater levels are dropping in northern India due to unregulated extraction by pumps, river management disputes, and reductions in glacier size and snow melt.
Clean drinking water and sanitation services are often taken for granted in the developed world – but more than a billion people globally go without these basic needs. The Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2016 is working to address that through improved water management across the landscape, from environment to urban management and household use.
It was during this time that Sustainable Water Program researchers arrived in India for the International River Symposium. The annual gathering of community, river managers and funding agencies is an opportunity to consider health and cultural impacts of water, and to propose technical and social solutions, with a particular focus on India’s water challenges. Following the Symposium, GCI Sustainable Water’s Associate Professor Eva Abal and Dr Nina Hall led an Australian water mission to explore possibilities for collaborative management projects and capability transfer with Indian industry, research and government stakeholders around UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – focused on water, sanitation and hygiene. The mission raised significant interest in UQ’s capabilities in responding to groundwater mapping and regulation, integrated water resources management, wastewater recycling innovations and operationalising the UN SDGs. The Program remains in close contact with its newly established partners and together they are actively pursuing funding to build on UQ’s activities in India.
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PEOPLE LACK ACCESS TO BASIC SANITATION
Sustainable Water Program Director Associate Professor Eva Abal co-authored the Urban Water Security chapter with, amongst others, Associate Professor Steven Kenway from the International Water Centre. The chapter described the progress countries are making to provide urban water services and management to ensure vibrant and liveable communities. The chapter outlined the management and stewardship needed to protect the waterways for future generations.
The GCI brings together end users, managers and researchers to ensure security in water supply, provision of sanitation and the protection of waterways. Associate Professor Eva Abal GCI Sustainable Water Program Director
“In the face of climate change, and energy and food security, the region’s cities must be managed sustainably,” Associate Professor Abal said. The report highlights a key GCI message, that the need for water secure cities increases with climate change. “This engagement, combined with improving the health of natural waterways and drinking supplies, is vital to improving the health of communities across the Asia-Pacific into the future,” Associate Professor Abal said. The 2016 Outlook is the third released by the Asian Development Bank and Asia-Pacific Water Forum. Since the second report in 2013, the number of water insecure countries in the region has dropped from 38 to 29.
100+
DELEGATES ATTENDED THE UQ WATER FORUM
12
MEETINGS DURING THE GCI-LED AUSTRALIAN WATER MISSION TO INDIA
CLEAN ENERGY Going off the grid The Gatton Solar Research Facility has slashed electricity use at the UQ Gatton campus by more than 40 per cent in its first year of operation. UQ Manager of Energy and Sustainability Andrew Wilson said the 3.275 megawatt (MW) facility had generated more than 5.8 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy. “That’s equivalent to the annual electricity usage of more than 1000 average Queensland households, and the displacement of more than 5300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Wilson said. “We’ve seen the Gatton campus’ net electricity consumption from the grid reduce by almost 40 per cent. This is achieved by exporting energy back to the grid when the campus’ consumption is lower than the energy generated by the array, typically during the middle of the day.” GCI’s Clean Energy Program Director Professor Paul Meredith, who is responsible for the facility, said the solar farm brought significant benefits to the community, industry and academia. “So far we have saved more than half a million dollars in electricity costs. These savings are being invested in research programs at the University, helping to solve the complex challenges of transforming the way we produce energy,” Professor Meredith said.
600+
GATTON SOLAR RESEARCH FACILITY VISITORS IN 2016
The site has 37,000 combined fixed, single and dual axis solar panels, which are placed in parallel so researchers always have a control section, as well as an area where they can test the technology. “The full-scale research we’re able to conduct with the Gatton facility is helping us to better understand how clean energy options like photovoltaics fit into our state and national electricity mix, from both an engineering and economic perspective.” Mr Wilson said plant operation hadn’t been without its challenges – so researchers had thought outside the box to address issues.
Above: Professor Paul Meredith, Federal Opposition Leader the Hon. Bill Shorten, and Shadow Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water the Hon. Mark Butler at the Gatton Solar Research Facility.
We’ve seen the Gatton campus’ electricity consumption from the grid reduce by almost 40 per cent.
“The cost of maintaining grass at the 10-hectare site was higher than we anticipated. “We have introduced sheep to graze between the solar panels which keeps the grass ‘mown’. It also increases the amount of land available on campus for agricultural research,” he said. The project, funded through the Federal Government’s Education Investment Fund, was successfully signed off by the Federal Department of Education in 2016.
THE GATTON BATTERY RESEARCH STATION IS EQUIVALENT TO
100
Andrew Wilson UQ Manager of Energy and Sustainability
TESLA BATTERIES
12M
KWH GENERATED AT UQ
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CHANGE MAKERS
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The Global Change Institute has a responsibility to influence government leaders, impact policy reform, inspire community action and involve community leaders. In 2016 the GCI engaged political leaders both in Australia and abroad, cemented research partnerships internationally, held a high impact lecture series and hosted high profile community events. 2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 19
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS The Global Change Institute has research collaborations in 31 countries, enabling it to influence policy and business globally.
NETHERLANDS DENMARK
UK SWITZERLAND
GERMANY
MONACO USA BANGLADESH
ISRAEL UAE
MEXICO
INDIA THAILAND
GRENADA
TAIWAN VIETNAM LAOS
PHILIPPINES
MALDIVES
COLUMBIA KENYA
INDONESIA PERU
SOLOMON ISLANDS TIMOR-LESTE
MAURITIUS
FIJI AUSTRALIA
CHILE
URUGUAY ARGENTINA
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Fostering marine ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific
Seeing is believing
Water expertise flows to South America
The Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services (CCRES) project is developing and promoting technical models and knowledge for use by coastal planners, managers and policy-makers in the east Asia-Pacific region.
GCI researchers working on the XL Catlin Seaview Survey have finalised the first phase of the project, having captured more than 1000km of reefscape across 22 countries.
The Institute’s Sustainable Water Program has broadened discussions with water management organisations and agencies in South America throughout the year.
Using a purpose-built panoramic camera system mounted on an underwater scooter (SVII), the XL Catlin Seaview Survey has created the largest publicly accessible baseline data set for coral reefs in the world. In 2016, researchers captured more than 8000 geo-referenced images for analysis in Taiwan and almost 90,000 images in Hawaii before, during and after the global bleaching event.
Funded by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), researchers will now travel to Argentina and Uruguay in March 2017 where they will use the ‘river report card’ method to inform the management of river catchments in the two countries.
These innovative tools will enable users to measure, harness, and protect the value of mangrove, seagrass and coral reef ecosystem services, thereby strengthening marine spatial planning and sustaining marine-based enterprises in the region. In its third year, the project has made inroads not only into the development of tools, models and knowledge products, but also into the uptake and impact of these outputs with end-users. For example, the project’s Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Mumby is supporting the Indonesian Government to design marine spatial plans and related investment activities. Tools range from those designed to assist policy-makers, planners and coastal managers to more effectively manage marine ecosystems, through to business development toolkits and behaviour change programs for fostering sustainable use of marine ecosystems.
“Global partnerships are critically important for understanding the impacts of worsening storms, pollution and bleaching on the world’s coral reefs by enabling us to revisit our baseline survey locations over the coming months and years. This is about science and outreach on a truly global scale,” Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg said.
Entering its final phase, the project is working with stakeholders to develop and implement a strategy to ensure the successful dissemination and uptake of the outputs through regional projects, government agencies and local communities.
Right: Brian Enriquez, Minalungao National Park, Philippines 2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 21
GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT
He visited the facilities as part of a broader University tour with the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy Expert Working Group.
This funding will hugely improve our understanding and help federal management agencies in responding to the impacts of a changing climate.
Federal government funds GCI research
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg GCI Director and Healthy Oceans Program Director
Powering up election policy
Chief Scientist tours rooftop array
Federal Opposition Leader the Hon. Bill Shorten announced the Australian Labor Party’s Climate Change Action Plan at the Gatton Solar Research Facility in April.
Australian Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel inspected the St Lucia campus solar facilities in September.
The announcement, made during the federal election campaign, included a renewable energy target and plan for an emissions trading scheme. GCI Clean Energy Program Director Professor Paul Meredith gave Mr Shorten and the then-Shadow Minister for the Environment, Great Barrier Reef and Water the Hon. Mark Butler a tour of the University’s 3.275MW solar facility during the visit.
Climate action plan launched at GCI The Queensland Government launched a discussion paper on its climate action plan at the GCI in May. Queensland Minister for the Environment and Heritage Protection the Hon. Dr Steven Miles said the plan outlined strategies and opportunities that could be embraced by Queensland to address a changing planet. “Climate change is a global problem but it has very real local consequences. We want to manage the transition to a low carbon world and make sure our fair share of the jobs and industries of the future are built here in Queensland,” Dr Miles said. He was one of a number of federal and state Members of Parliament to visit the GCI in 2016. The Queensland LNP’s Dr Christian Rowan and Michael Hart toured the ‘Living Building’ and received briefings on the Institute’s activities, while Senator Chris Ketter was briefed on the Clean Energy Program.
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Dr Finkel, who has a PhD in electrical engineering, was particularly interested in the 1.22MW photovoltaic rooftop solar array and the w geopolymer concrete used to build the GCI ‘Living Building’.
The Federal Department of Environment tasked the GCI with helping fight coral bleaching and mortality on the Great Barrier Reef when it announced additional funding to survey the northern and far northern coastlines. Then-Environment Minister the Hon. Greg Hunt said it was important that the world do more, both in terms of climate change and water quality. “We will, as a federal government, be supporting the work of The University of Queensland’s Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg for one of the world’s most significant coral baseline studies over the coming months.” Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said the funding enabled a comparison of the reefscape after the 2016 bleaching event with imagery taken during a 2012 baseline survey.
Below: Professor Paul Meredith and Federal Opposition Leader the Hon. Bill Shorten at the Gatton Solar Research Facility.
INFORMING POLICY In 2016 and under the guidance of Deputy Director Professor Karen Hussey, the GCI has significantly increased its focus on informing government policy both domestically and abroad. Using a rigorous, evidence-based approach, GCI researchers have focused on identifying issues, options and solutions to a range of challenges facing governments, non-government organisations and funding agencies alike. In 2016, the Institute has developed several commissioned policy papers for government organisations including the Australian and Queensland governments, and the UK Ministry of Defence, as well as WWF International and the World Bank. In working with the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP), GCI has been instrumental in providing academic rigour to support development of the Queensland Climate Change Strategy.
Based on this analysis, GCI developed a proposed sector plan, which considered content as well as the importance of engaging with industry sectors at all levels from small operators through to multinationals and industry associations. This work was presented by GCI and DEHP representatives at the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility Conference in July. GCI has also worked with Griffith University to inform the development and work program of the Climate Action Roundtable, a consortium of sub-national governments in Australia.
Using a rigorous, evidencebased approach, GCI researchers have focused on identifying issues, options and solutions to a range of challenges.
Such engagement between GCI researchers, and policy and decision-makers is ensuring the rich knowledge of academia is having an impact in jurisdictions globally.
For example, in relation to climate adaptation, GCI undertook a review of the approach taken to sector adaptation planning in other Australian jurisdictions. Researchers investigated the respective roles of government and industry, and how a collaboratively produced sector plan could assist in developing a roadmap for effective adaptation.
COMMISSIONED REPORTS FOR
7
GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS
10+
GCI RESEARCHERS CONTRIBUTING TO REPORTS AND DISCUSSION PAPERS
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GLOBAL CHANGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM Leading change through the next generation The planet is under enormous pressure. The impacts of a growing population, urbanisation and resource exploitation – combined with the impacts of climate change, shifting geopolitical realities and the digital revolution – create enormous challenges and opportunities in the coming decades. Embracing change – and ensuring that communities prosper in a way that is fair, sustainable and peaceful – will require research leaders who understand global trends and who can create positive social, cultural, economic and environmental transformations. The Global Change Scholars Program, hosted through the UQ Graduate School in partnership with the GCI, is an initiative designed to produce those research leaders. UQ Graduate School Dean Professor Alastair McEwan said the Program would provide 30 of UQ’s most promising PhD students with unique insights into the challenges presented by global change, as well as the research methods and techniques for addressing those challenges.
GCI Deputy Director Professor Karen Hussey added that the nature of global change meant that the way we looked at societal problems and opportunities was changing. “Graduates of the program will possess deep understanding w of global trends, the challenges and opportunities they present, and an awareness of how to drive the changes necessary for us to build sustainable futures,” Professor Hussey said. The Program’s intensive, seminar-style lectures, a four-day retreat and internships undertaken alongside students’ PhD studies will give Global Change Scholars the opportunity to explore the broader relevance of their own research in the context of global change. The program, commencing in 2017, will expose scholars to the latest thinking on global change from internationally renowned academics as well as captains of industry, and political and societal leaders; provide networking opportunities; and enable students to profile their research through extensive engagement opportunities.
“Scholars will directly benefit from the University’s five-year student strategy,” Professor McEwan said. “At the Program’s heart is the student experience, with a focus on enhanced extracurricular opportunities, industry placements and more flexible learning opportunities with UQ’s world-renowned academics.”
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BEST AND BRIGHTEST UQ PHD STUDENTS
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5
INTENSIVE WORK MODULES
“Interconnected problems require unique thinking — and the Global Change Scholars Program will allow UQ students to be part of the solutions to these global problems.” Professor Karen Hussey Deputy Director, Global Change Institute
MULTIDISCIPLINARY LEARNING ONLINE The global classroom
“The benefit of MOOCs is that they offer a way for cutting-edge research to become available globally for free, in a format that is designed to be accessible to a broad audience,” GCI MOOC Coordinator Tanya Dodgen said.
Denial 101x: Making Sense of Climate Science Denial has always been one of UQ’s most successful online courses. Now the GCI massive open online course (MOOC) has been credited as one of the best globally by online education provider edX.
“MOOCs are highly flexible, students can set their own pace and participate from any location.”
edX, established by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, named Denial 101x as a finalist for its 2016 Prize for Exceptional Contributions in Online Teaching and Learning.
The GCI’s third MOOC, Carbon 101x: Essential Tools for the Low Carbon Economy, will be released early in 2017.
The course studies the gap between the public understanding of climate change and the scientific consensus on human-induced global warming. More than 30,000 students have enrolled since it launched in April 2015. Course developer and GCI Climate Communication Fellow Dr John Cook said: “There is no shortage of misinformation about climate change available on the internet and in the media. We designed our course to give people the tools to identify and see through the myths.” “Understanding the science of climate change is important. But we also need to understand the techniques used to distort the science.”
UQ Business School researcher Belinda Wade said MOOC participants would learn to reduce their carbon footprint by changing existing processes and through investment decisions.
The benefit of MOOCs is that they offer a way for cutting-edge research to become available globally for free, in a format that is designed to be accessible to a broad audience. Tanya Dodgen GCI MOOC Coordinator
“There are many components to a best-practice carbon management program but essential skills include monitoring and reporting on emissions, target setting, strategising, and creating and sharing knowledge,” Ms Wade said. “Participants will learn the practical skills relating to carbon footprinting, financial appraisal of low-carbon technologies, dealing with climate policy compliance and voluntary carbon management action.”
Denial 101x is the second MOOC produced through the GCI, following the popular Tropic 101x: Tropical Coastal Ecosystems course which has attracted more than 20,000 students.
50K
STUDENTS ENROLLED SINCE 2014
180+
COUNTRIES PARTICIPATED IN TROPIC 101x
2M
MINUTES OF DENIAL 101x VIDEO VIEWED ONLINE
504
‘VERIFIED CERTIFICATES’ PURCHASED AT $US100 EACH
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CREATE CHANGE
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For change to have impact it must be articulated, communicated and validated within the broader community. From lecturing on change issues globally to showcasing sustainable workplace practices in Australia, the Global Change Institute is helping create change.
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
GCI researchers are involved in a number of high-level professional and advisory roles, a selection of which appears below. Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg ◆◆
UNESCO Ethical Consideration of Climate Change Working Group member
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Scoping Committee member for the Special Report on the Impacts of Global Warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
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Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies Deputy Director
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IPCC Scoping Committee member for the Special Report on Climate Change and Oceans and the Cryosphere
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International Scientific Advisory Committee member for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF)
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Coordinated an Indonesian and Australian Academy of Science meeting on climate change and marine science
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Professor Karen Hussey ◆◆
Future Earth Working Group Co-Chair (Water, Energy, Food Nexus)
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Gratton Institute and UQ State of Affairs Forum Chair
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Great Barrier Reef Independent Expert Review Panel member
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TJ Ryan Foundation Board member
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WWF-Australia Governor
Associate Professor Eva Abal ◆◆
Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership Independent Science Panel member
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Great Barrier Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel member
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Healthy Waterways Executive Science Advisory Panel member
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International River Prize Judging Panel member
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National Environment Science Programme Tropical Water Quality Hub Science Panel member
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Sustainable Development Solutions Network UQ representative
Dr Nina Hall ◆◆
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Reference Group member (secretariat based at WaterAid Australia)
Dr Grace Muriuki ◆◆
International Council for Science Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa Review Panelist
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LAUNCH Food Review Panelist (a partnership between DFAT Innovation Xchange and USAID Global Development Labs)
Professor Paul Meredith ◆◆
Australian Institute of Physics Congress Program Co-Chair
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Australian Renewable Energy Agency Technical Advisory Board member
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Sêr Solar Initiative International Advisory Board member
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BioElec International Advisory Board member
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Queensland Government’s Renewable Energy Target Expert Panel member
Dr Tyrone Ridgway ◆◆
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Bleaching Scientific Advisory Panel member
SCIENTIFIC SEMINARS
The Global Change Institute is committed to real-world research and analysis. In 2016 GCI researchers presented at events across the globe and the Institute hosted world leading researchers through its Insights Seminar series – a sample can be found below.
Lectures presented by GCI researchers
Insights seminars
Associate Professor Eva Abal Solutions to shape our water future: a voice for our rivers and waterways 3rd International River Summit, Philippines Associate Professor Eva Abal Solutions towards a sustainable water future: a voice for our waterways World Water Congress, Brisbane Professor Bill Bellotti Eating the planet: Transdisciplinary research for a healthier, more sustainable, ethical food system McDonnell Academy Global Energy and Environment Partnership, Brisbane
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Meeting the challenges of a changing ocean and cryosphere Scoping Meeting for the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Oceans and the Cryosphere, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Professor Paul Meredith Organic (Organohalide Perovskite) optoelectronics and bioelectronics – Frontiers of sustainable advanced materials Los Alamos National Laboratory Lecture, New Mexico, USA
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Meeting the challenges of change: The Great Barrier Reef Australian Academy of Science, Canberra, ACT
Professor Paul Meredith Scaling of thin film solar cells Swansea University, Wales
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Oceans and climate change: Crunch time for coral reefs? Kathryn Fuller Plenary, WWF, Washington DC, USA
Dr Nina Hall Integrated approaches to implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg The ocean, people and ecosystem health: Challenges and solutions in a changing world Opening plenary, One Health Congress and The 6th Biennial Conference of the International Association for Ecology and Health, Melbourne, VIC
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Grappling with a changing ocean: Coral reefs, people and COP21 (Paris) agreement Bremen, Germany
Professor Paul Meredith Battery storage and related research activities at UQ Australian Energy Storage Council Annual Meeting, Brisbane
Professor Paul Meredith Solar research at UQ McDonnell Academy Global Energy and Environment Partnership Solar Energy and Electrical Storage Workshop, Brisbane Dr Grace Muriuki A food systems perspective on the palm oil industry 2016 Palm Oil Symposium, Brisbane Dr Tyrone Ridgway Climatic drivers of change and the future of African ocean assets towards COP22 African Ministerial Conference on Ocean Economies and Climate Change, World Bank Group, Mauritius Dr Tyrone Ridgway Rough Seas Ahead? Oceans, Coasts and Climate Change 2016 Australia – China Science, Technology, Commercialisation and Innovation Forum
Associate Professor Eva Abal, Dr Nina Hall, Professor Helen Ross, Dr Stephan Tait, Dr Sue Vink Taking UQ water expertise to Latin America: why, what and how The University of Queensland Professor Saleem Ali, Dr Nina Hall, Professor Paul Lant GCI-Energy Poverty Research Group Collaborative Seminar The University of Queensland Dr Geoffrey Annison Australia’s food policy and regulation framework and how it contributes to health and nutrition outcomes Australian Food and Grocery Council, Canberra, ACT Dr Oscar Beijbom Deep learning in the shallow seas: How deep neural networks are revolutionising automated annotation of coral reef survey imagery Berkeley Vision and Learning Center, University of California, Berkeley, USA Associate Professor Andrew Borrell Rice production and adaptation to climate change in Vietnam Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland Brad Hopkins Will clean energy kill coal? KPMG, Brisbane
Dr Bruce Gordon and Rifat Hossain The UN’s SDGs for water: Are they achievable and what are the implications for global health challenges? World Health Organisation, Switzerland Professor Terry Hughes The 2016 coral bleaching event in Australia ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Townsville, QLD Dr Chris McGrath Making sense of the Adani approval in the midst of coral bleaching The University of Queensland Dr Tim Nelson Climate and electricity policy integration: Is the South Australian electricity market the canary in the coal mine? AGL Energy, Sydney, NSW Dr Wendell Porter Australia in transition: The renewable energy future The University of Florida, USA Professor Stefan Rahmstorf Exceptional 20th century slowdown in Atlantic Ocean overturning circulation Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Germany 2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 29
COMMUNITY EVENTS Above: Sir David Attenborough promoting the new series, David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef.
Colourful series paints bleak picture
World of information
David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef was full of vibrant corals and colourful ocean species – but the message was bleak.
GCI researchers shared a world of information with academics and students from across the University, when it hosted events to mark the World Oceans and World Food Days.
“About a quarter of the species of fish in the world spend some part of their lives in the reefs,” Sir David said in the series. “If the reefs go the fish will also disappear, and that could affect the livelihood and diet of human communities worldwide.” The GCI and UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) co-hosted the Australian premiere of the documentary with the GBRF in April. The documentary’s Chief Coordinating Scientist and QBI Professor Justin Marshall provided behind-the-scenes insights before a panel discussion on the impacts of climate change on the reef. Queensland Minister for the Environment and Heritage Protection, and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef the Hon. Dr Steven Miles, GBRMPA Chair Dr Russell Reichelt, GBRF Managing Director Anna Marsden and GCI’s Professor HoeghGuldberg discussed how addressing sediment run-off, appropriate planning legislation and high-efficiency fertilisers were vital. “We put the spotlight on climate change globally but in the medium term we need to consider water quality, and also the way we protect the Reef through Green Zones and National Parks,” Dr Reichelt said.
Held in June, World Oceans Day is a celebration of the planet’s largest body of water. More than 100 people took part in virtual dives at the GCI across the day, resulting in an improved understanding of coral reefs, as well as the impact of ocean acidification and rising ocean temperatures on these ecosystems. Food Systems researchers had their ‘finger on the pulse’ for World Food Day in October, when they marked the day and the Year of the Pulse with a lively panel discussion led by Dr Brett Ferguson, Director of the UQ Centre for Integrative Legume Research. The panel considered the importance of food choices and food waste, with a number of community outreach activities throughout the day. Further, the UQ Water Forum, hosted by the GCI in early July, gave attendees the opportunity to discuss the potential impacts of the federal election on water policy, as well as showcasing the University’s existing water research.
Above: Researchers had their ‘finger on the pulse’ for World Food Day in October.
In the same way we used to get around in horses and carriages, one day we will say we used to get around in cars that burnt petrol. The Hon. Dr Steven Miles Queensland Minister for the Environment and Heritage Protection, and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef
In conclusion, Dr Miles said: “All of our energy will eventually come from renewable energy and that will support thousands of jobs. We can open people’s eyes to the positive opportunity for the future and we can bring people with us.”
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PEOPLE TOOK GCI VIRTUAL DIVES IN 2016
120+
ATTENDEES AT THE SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH PREMIERE
BUILDING THE FUTURE Shining light on future sustainability practice A zero-emission, carbon-neutral building that generates more energy than it consumes sounds like technology of the future. However, that technology is harnessed in the Global Change Institute’s ‘Living Building’. The GCI building has enough rooftop solar panels to power 21 homes; 60,000L rainwater storage for cooling systems, kitchens and showers; and a thermal chimney that draws warm air up and out of the building. GCI Communications and Engagement Officer Rachael Hazell runs weekly tours of the facility, and said interest remains strong in visiting the building more than three years after construction was completed. “The ‘Living Building’ is truly shining a light on what can be achieved by today’s construction standards,” she said. “This year alone we have welcomed more than 2000 community members, academics, elected politicians and industry leaders to the building.” Institute Manager Dr David Harris said a regular question from visitors was how much the facility cost to build. “Surprisingly, the building was not that much more expensive than a normal building. When you take into account the ongoing savings from water and solar energy usage, we have achieved a great result,” he said.
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The building has continued to add to its impressive tally of architectural and design awards, winning the 2016 WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff Award for Best Sustainable Development – New Building and the 2016 Queensland Rider Levett Bucknall Development of the Year. In announcing the latter, Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Chris Mountford said the state’s development industry could be proud of the innovation and excellence displayed in projects such as the GCI building. “The world-leading design has become a valuable research tool for the demonstration of innovative building systems and an exemplar of naturally ventilated operation,” Mr Mountford said.
UQ’s Global Change Institute demonstrates how buildings can be producers, rather than consumers, of natural resources. The building … sets a new ideal for sustainable practice. Chris Mountford Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia
“The Global Change Institute building will provide the perfect environment to inspire its occupants in their research and collaboration on global change.” The building is one of a number of assets operated by the GCI. The 3.275MW Gatton Solar Research Facility and 1.22MW rooftop array at the UQ St Lucia campus have generated more than $1m in energy savings in 2016. “There is this misconception that for construction to be sustainable it must be expensive. We have proved time and time again that is not the case,” Dr Harris said. “Not only are the Institute’s assets flagships for UQ but they are also practical examples of what can be achieved in any new construction.”
$
32M
GCI BUILDING COST
17
BUILDING AWARDS
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ADVISORY BOARD Honourable Professor Robert Hill AC GCI Advisory Board Chair BA, LLB (Adelaide), LLM (London), LLD honoris causa (Adelaide) Robert was a member of the Australian Senate from 1981 to 2006 representing South Australia. He was leader of the Government in the Senate (1996–2006), Minister for the Environment (1996–1998), Minister for the Environment and Heritage (1998–2001) and Minister for Defence (2001–2006). Robert was the Australian Ambassador to the United Nations (2006–2009). Robert served as the Chancellor of the University of Adelaide (2010–2014) and an Adjunct Professor in Sustainability at the United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney (2009– 2016). He serves as Chair of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living. In 2012 he was named a Companion of the Order of Australia for service to the Parliament of Australia, particularly through the development of policy reform in the portfolios of environment and defence. Margaret Brown BA (Queensland), LLB (Hons) (Queensland) Margaret is a former partner and head of the Competition, Regulatory and Intellectual Property Group in the Brisbane office of Minter Ellison Lawyers. A major area of Margaret’s practice was advising on disputes and regulatory issues in the university sector. She was recognised as a leading adviser and litigator across the resource, pharmacy, biotechnology, telecommunications and creative industry sectors, with extensive expertise in the development and commercialisation of technology. Margaret also advised on major transactions involving gas pipelines, rail, port, and electricity infrastructure and facilities.
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Margaret was the 2008 Queensland Woman Lawyer of the Year. She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law, a member of The University of Queensland Senate and a member of The University of Queensland Press Board of Management. Ian Buchanan MA (Oxford), MBA (Pennsylvania) Ian is an experienced strategy consultant and board member with more than 40 years’ experience throughout the Asia-Pacific and Australasia. He is currently an advisor at PwC Strategy& (formerly Booz and Company) Indonesia, having previously been a senior executive advisor with Booz and Company. Ian has led and advised on significant transactions involving listed companies, including Asia’s first leveraged buyout/reverse takeover and turnaround. Through Ian’s vast experience, he now holds a number of positions on Australian, Asian, and global boards and advisory councils. He is Chair of Asean Development Pty Ltd and AusPECC (Pacific Economic Cooperation Council), on the International Advisory Council for the World Chinese Economic Forum and on the Asian Advisory Board of CHAMP Private Equity. Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Institute Director BSc (Hons) (Sydney), PhD (UCLA) As the inaugural GCI Director, Ove develops and promotes the Institute’s research program across UQ and externally. He also heads a large research laboratory investigating how global warming and ocean acidification are affecting coral reefs.
Ove has collaborated widely including with the GBRF and the Royal Society of London, as well as advising government and industry on climate change. He has published more than 300 articles and book chapters, and been recognised with a Thomson Reuters Citation Award in 2012 (most cited in ecology), and highly cited awards in 2011, 2013 and 2014. He has been awarded the Eureka Prize (1999), an ARC Laureate Fellowship (2012) and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Climate Change Award (2014). Ove is an Australian Academy of Science Fellow and was the coordinating lead author of the Oceans chapter for the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report. This year he was awarded the Banksia Foundation International Award. Professor Karen Hussey Institute Deputy Director BA (Econ&Pol) (Melbourne), MEcSci (Uni. College Dublin), PhD (Melbourne) As the GCI Deputy Director, Karen is responsible for developing the Institute’s interdisciplinary research portfolio and managing research performance, as well as overseeing operational matters. Trained as a political scientist and economist, Karen undertakes research in the field of public policy and governance, with a particular interest in public policy relating to sustainable development. Her recent research has focused on water and energy security; the role of the state in managing risks, particularly in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation; the links between international trade and environmental regulation; and the peculiarities of public policy in federal systems. Karen holds an Honorary Professorship at the Australian National University.
Professor Alastair McEwan UQ Graduate School Dean BSc (Hons) (Leeds), PhD (Birmingham) Alastair is Dean of the UQ Graduate School, where he oversees the research higher degree program for PhD and research Masters students. In addition to administrative processes, the Graduate School provides support for development of research higher degree students as graduate researchers who have the potential to be leaders in academia, and the public and private sector. He has a background in biochemistry, with research interests in the role of transition metal ions and redox processes in biology, especially in bacterial pathogen-host interactions. He joined UQ in 1993, having previously held a NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Royal Society University Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford and a lectureship at the University of East Anglia. He has held a number of academic leadership positions at UQ including Head, School of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences (2005-10). Anna Rose BA (Sydney), LLB (Hons) (Sydney) Anna is an Australian author and environmentalist, and an Innovation Fellow with the Myer Foundation. She recently finished a role managing Earth Hour with WWF-Australia, increasing the participation and impact of the Australian-founded campaign now celebrated in over 172 countries. Anna previously co-founded the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, a movement of over 120,000 young people. She is author of the book, Madlands: A Journey to Change the Mind of a Climate Sceptic, and co-starred in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) documentary I Can Change Your Mind on Climate Change.
Anna is a Director of Solar Citizens, the Australian Geographic Society and the Aussie Farmers Foundation, and is Chair of Green Music Australia. She was the Australian Geographic Society’s Conservationist of the Year (2015), was a finalist in the ACT Australian of the Year awards (2015) and is a former Prime Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year. Keith Tuffley BEc (Sydney), LLB (Sydney), LLM (Sydney), MSt (Cambridge) Keith is the Managing Partner and CEO of The B Team, a not-for-profit initiative that is developing a ‘Plan B’, a better way of doing business for the wellbeing of people and the planet. He also founded entrepreneurial impact investing company NEUW Ventures SA, based in Switzerland, which develops and finances businesses that reduce the human footprint and accelerate the world’s transition to a sustainable economic system. He has more than 25 years’ experience in finance and investment banking, and has advised global corporations and governments on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and equity capital raisings. Keith served as Managing Director, Head of Investment Banking and a Member of the Management Committee and Board of Goldman Sachs, Australia. He is a Director at the GBRF and the Global Footprint Network, Governor of WWF-Australia and an Ambassador for the Wild Foundation. Robyn Williams AM BSc (Hons) (London) Robyn joined the ABC Science Unit in 1972 where, in 1975, he began hosting The Science Show, now one of the longest running science programs in the world.
Robyn has served as President of the Australian Museum Trust, Chair of the Commission for the Future and President of Australian Science Communicators. He is a National Living Treasure (1997) and was the first journalist to be elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (1993). He has Honorary Doctorates of Science from five Australian universities and an Honorary Doctorate of Law. Robyn has written more than 10 books and has a star in the constellation Carina named after him. Dr Beth Woods PhD (Oxford) Beth is the Director-General of the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, where she leads development initiatives to deliver an innovative, productive, and sustainable agriculture and fisheries sector. Previously Beth was the Deputy Director-General, Agriculture and Deputy Director-General, Science in the former Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. She was the foundation Director of UQ’s Rural Extension Centre and Professor of Agribusiness at UQ (1997–2004). Beth has served on the CSIRO Board, the Gatton College Council and the Rural Adjustment Scheme Advisory Council. She has chaired the Rural Industries Research and Development (R&D) Corporation, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the National Drought Policy Review and the International Rice Research Institute. She was a member of the Australian Rural R&D Council (2011–2012) and a member of the World Bank’s Agricultural Pull Mechanism expert panel. She is currently Chair of WorldFish (Penang, Malaysia), part of the CGIAR network of independent research centres administered through the World Bank.
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GCI PEOPLE Executive
Research staff
Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg GCI Director Director (Healthy Oceans)
Md Jan E Alam Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Professor Karen Hussey Deputy Director Associate Professor Eva Abal Director (Sustainable Water) Professor Bill Bellotti Director (Food Systems) Professor John Foster Institute Advisor Dr David Harris Institute Manager Professor Paul Meredith Director (Clean Energy) Anna Moloney Communications and Engagement Manager
Dr Danielle Barrington Senior Program Coordinator Dr Oscar Beijbom Postdoctoral Research Fellow Claudia Benham Postdoctoral Research Fellow Vicki Bennion Research Assistant Dr Pim Bongaerts Postdoctoral Research Fellow Tari Bowling Research Assistant Leighton Brough UQ Solar Research Technician Robert Campbell APA Scholar Robert Canto Research Officer Gemma Clayton Research Assistant John Cook Climate Communication Fellow Franziska Curran Research Officer
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Peter Dalton Caitlin Field Technical Officer
Melanie King Senior Advisor
Simone Elias Project Manager
Joe Lane Research Assistant
Norbert Englebert Research Officer
Sebastian Lopez Marcano Research Assistant
Craig Froome Program Manager (Clean Energy)
Kathryn Markey Research Assistant
Vince Garrone Technical Operations Manager
Matheus Mello Athayde Lab Technician
Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero Catlin Benthic Ecology Fellow
Morana Mihaljevic Research Assistant
Shane Goodwin Project Coordinator
Lynette Molyneaux Research Officer
Susie Green Catlin Seaview Project Officer / Research Officer
Dr Christopher Mooney Catlin Field Technical Officer
Dr Nina Hall Program Manager (Sustainable Water) Amanda Hansson Research Officer Dr Christine Hosking Research Assistant Tor Hundloe Emeritus Professor Dr Paulina Kaniewska Research Assistant
Dr Grace Muriuki Program Manager (Food Systems) Sara Naylor Catlin Project Manager Benjamin Neal Postdoctoral Research Fellow Greg Oliver Research Fellow David Olley Research Assistant Dr Olga Pantos Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr Suzanne Pillans Research Officer Dr Catalina Reyes Nivia Research Assistant Dr Tyrone Ridgway Program Manager (Healthy Oceans) Dr Alberto Rodriguez-Ramirez Image Analysis and Database Manager Estelle Roux Research Officer Behnam Shabani Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Kiah Smith Research Associate Shari Stepanoff Project Officer Jozef Syktus Senior Research Fellow Abbie Taylor Project Officer Carl Tidemann Research Technician
Adjunct staff
Professional staff
Adjunct Professor Leith Boully
Megan Baker Finance and Operations Manager
Dr Geoff Dews Professor Michael D’Occhio Dr Sophie Dove (Affiliate) Malcolm Duthie Adjunct Professor Paul Heaton Adjunct Professor Andy Hooten Dr Rob Lesslie Dr Paul Muir Mags Quibilan Professor Virgilio Rivera Dr Roger Shaw Dr William Skirving Adjunct Professor John Tanzer
Michelle Claxton Program Officer (Research) Phoebe Coulon-McIntosh Program Officer (Research) Nikki Cutts Program Officer (Research) Nicola De Silva Executive Assistant Tanya Dodgen MOOC Administration Coordinator
Ron Hohenhaus Communications Officer Sam O’Neill Senior Finance and HR Officer Siobhan Power Finance and Adminstration Officer Benjamin Southall Video Production Officer Adrian Ward Professional Staff Jason White Finance and Operations Manager Xin Zhao (Fiona) Receptionist
Peter Fogarty Executive Assistant Rachael Hazell Communications and Engagement Officer Krystle Henry Engagement Officer
Adjunct Professor John (Charlie) Veron Professor Cesar Villanoy
Dr Phillip Wild Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr Ruifeng Yan Postdoctoral Research Fellow
2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 35
2016 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Income and expenditure Revenue UQ – Strategic Operating Funds
Core operating activities $ 3,118,508
Overall revenue analysis
Revenue UQ - Strategic Funding Allocation
513,384
UQ - Commonwealth Grant Subsidy (RBG) ( 3)
513,384
UQ – Internal Strategic Funded Schemes
654,023
Sales and Services Revenue
286,253
Investments, Scholarships and Donations
126,697
Recovery of Indirect Costs
38,000
2,341,028
Other External Revenue (2)
260,941
Internal Allocations
457,210
Tax on Core Operating
(277,227)
Total Revenue
3,678,918
Tax on Core Operating
(277,227)
Expenditure
Total Revenue
7,194,564
Research Academic Salaries
Expenditure
$
Salary Expenditure
Research Income 33%
3,118,508
UQ – Commonwealth Grant Subsidy (RBG) ( 3)
Research Income
UQ Strategic Operating Funds 43%
$
$
UQ Internal Strategic Funded Schemes 9% Internal Allocations 6% Other External Revenue 4% UQ Commonwealth Grant Subsidy 3% Investments, Scholarships and Donations 2%
Distribution of core operating expenditure
1,222,748
Research Support Salaries
814,986
Professional Support Salaries
862,057
Other Salary Related Expenditure
47,830
Research Academic Salaries 32% Professional Support Salaries 23% Research Support Salaries 21% Core Operating Expenditure 11% Research Program Support 6%
Research Academic Salaries
2,101,813
Core Operating Expenditure (4)
433,425
Communications and Engagement Support 3%
Research Support Salaries
1,578,185
Communications and Engagement Support
120,000
Strategic Initiatives Support 3%
Professional Support Salaries
862,057
Research Program Support
219,215
Strategic Initiatives Support
100,081
Non-Salary Expenditure Other Employment Costs
168,092
Other Expenditure ( 5)
3,557,279
Total Expenditure
8,267,427
Net Surplus /(Deficit) ( 1 )
(1,072,863)
Total Expenditure Net Surplus /(Deficit)
3,820,341
(141,424)
(1) This figure includes expenditure of carried forward research funds. (2) Includes consultancy fees, sales and service fees, sponsorships and reimbursements. (3) Allocation of Commonwealth Grant Subsidy is shown gross (i.e. before deduction of 54% tax on Core Operating). (4) Includes equipment, travel, hospitality, IT, general administration and consumables.
36 | GLOBAL CHANGE INSTITUTE
(5) Includes collaborator payments, contractor payments, equipment and minor works.
Other Salary Related Expenditure 1%
COLLABORATORS Tackling global change issues requires an interdisciplinary approach and a multi-institutional effort to deliver real impact. GCI would like to thank the following collaborators:
2016 ANNUAL REPORT | 37
Global Change Institute The University of Queensland St Lucia | QLD 4072 | Australia T +61 7 3443 3100 E gci@uq.edu.au W gci.uq.edu.au
Front cover image: James Singlador Pulilan River, Philippines
This document is printed on Ecostar, made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, manufactured in a process chlorine free environment under the ISO 14001 environmental management system.