Monash Report 2024 – Goal 13

Monash University Report 2024 on the UN Sustainable Development Goals

13 CLIMATE ACTION

Take urgent action to combat climate change and
its impacts

Research
Education
Engagement
Operations

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2024 Publications Performance View

In 2024 Monash University researchers produced 327 publications related to SDG 13, with a mean Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 2.66.

What is Field-Weighted Citation Impact?

Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) refers to the ratio of the actual number of citations received by a research output and the total citations expected based on the average of the subject field. An FWCI value of 1 may be interpreted as having ‘world average impact’. Thus, a publication with an FWCI of more than 1 indicates higher than expected citations based on the global average for similar publications. As FWCI reflects citations received to date, a publication’s FWCI value may fluctuate over time.

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Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT) View

The Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT) research centre, a partnership between Monash University and Fiji National University, focuses on the role of business and finance in shaping climate resilience in the South Pacific. Launched in March 2023, PACT addresses the unique climate issues of Pacific Island nations, aiming to foster economic resilience and community wellbeing.

The centre has initiated several projects, including a partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme to help Nauru build a climate readiness roadmap. PACT also established a Research Training Collaboration to develop future policy researchers and practitioners. The centre's efforts are influential in shaping climate resilience and accessing climate finance in the region.

Read the full article in the Monash Insider

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New research centre explores how climate change is reshaping our weather View

The Monash-led Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for 21st Century Weather, involving Associate Professor Ailie Gallant from the University’s School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, is the first research centre globally to focus on the science of weather change due to climate change.

The centre aims to deepen understanding of climate change impacts on weather, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and harness opportunities from weather changes. It collaborates with 24 partner organisations and integrates advances in various scientific fields to enhance weather and climate research capabilities, providing global applications and Australian leadership in the field.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Monash Net Zero Precincts initiative View

Monash University researchers are actively contributing to climate action and sustainable urban development through the Net Zero Precincts initiative:

Grace Rodgerson, a PhD student, collaborates with local governments to explore net zero governance, using workshops and Living Lab experimentation to bridge theory and practice.

Grace Rodgerson presenting her work

Dr Darren Sharp, a Senior Research Fellow, received the Theodore von Kármán Fellowship for his work on the Net Zero Precincts ARC Linkage project, engaging in international research on sustainability transitions through workshops and public lectures.

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Critical actions for global health and climate following COP28 View

Researchers from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, including Associate Professor Angie Bone and Associate Professor Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins, have published a research paper emphasising the role of the global health community in climate change decision-making and action. The paper highlights the outcomes of COP28, which integrated health into the climate change agenda, including a dedicated 'health' day and significant climate-health financing.

The research advocates for health to remain central in climate negotiations, with public health practitioners playing a critical role in policy advocacy and community resilience.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Unlocking climate finance to a region at the coalface of climate change View

Ruel Yamuna, Papua New Guinea’s Special Envoy for Climate and Environment, has become the inaugural PhD candidate at Monash Business School’s Pacific Action for Climate Transitions (PACT) research centre. His research focuses on overcoming barriers to accessing climate finance, aiming to develop policy prescriptions and legal reforms to enable more predictable access to sources of finance.

The program, led by PACT's Director Professor Paul Dargusch, aims to upskill professionals in the Pacific to become climate leaders, balancing research with professional commitments and fostering sustainable research capacity in the region.

Read the full article in Monash Business News

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Climate Change Communication Research Hub analyzes Indonesian political agendas View

The Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub (MCCCRH) Indonesia Node conducted a big data analysis of Indonesian presidential candidates' vision and mission documents, revealing a lack of prioritization for climate change and environmental issues. This research, which gained media attention, underscores the need for greater emphasis on climate action in political agendas.

Additionally, an analysis of Indonesian young voters' concerns about climate change highlights a disconnect between youth priorities and political agendas, emphasising the urgent need for climate action and awareness.

The Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub and the Faculty of Arts are involved in these activities, focusing on education and communication to bridge the gap between public concern and political action.

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Community Model for Climate Resilience View

The Monash Indonesia Research Office (MIRO) has welcomed three new Assistant Professors (Research) for the 2023 Koneksi Project, which focuses on building climate resilience in eastern Indonesia.

The project, titled 'Building a Model of Future-proofing for Climate Resilience by Engaging Communities (MoFCREC),' aims to support vulnerable communities, including people with disabilities, diverse women, and older people, through deep community engagement and co-designing resources.

Koneksi Team - Monash University

The onboarding session was co-led by Dr Alex Lechner, with participation from Dr Ika Idris, Dr Sabina Puspita, and Dr Eka Permanasari, among others.

Read the full article in Monash Indonesia News

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Cyclones remain deadly up to a month after the event View

Professor Yuming Guo from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine led a study published in PLOS Medicine, which found that cyclones, exacerbated by climate change, increase the risk of mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses for up to 30 days post-event. The research analyzed data from 494 locations across 18 countries, highlighting the prolonged health impacts of cyclones, particularly in Australia and New Zealand.

The study emphasises the need for incorporating epidemiological evidence to better understand and respond to the health effects of increasingly intense tropical cyclones.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Renovating for Net Zero View

Saba Marjani, a PhD student at the Net Zero Precincts Linkage project, is leading the Buildings Living Lab with a focus on transitioning to net zero emissions precincts through deep renovation of existing buildings. Her research emphasises improving student housing conditions, advocating for student welfare, and connecting sustainable principles with lived experiences. The project employs a Living Lab approach, involving literature reviews, precedence studies, and action research, to develop principles for sustained regeneration in private student housing.

Net Zero meeting photo

This approach aims to address barriers to net zero renovation and create a network connecting owners, students, council, and university to facilitate deep renovation processes.

Read the full article in Monash Sustainable Development Institute News

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Unit statistics and highlights View

In 2024, Monash offered 112 units directly related to SDG 13, with 19743 total enrolments.

Highlighted below are a few of the units at Monash related to Climate Action:

ATS2548 Climate and environmental policy and management
ECC3640 Economics of climate change
MPH5042 Climate change and public health

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Net Zero course from Net Zero Academy prepares leaders for mandatory reporting View

The Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) and Climateworks Centre's Net Zero Academy have developed an Executive Leadership Program to prepare leaders for mandatory climate-related financial disclosures. This course, aimed at senior executives, provides the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the net zero landscape, respond to mandatory regulations, and drive strategic advantage in sustainable markets.

Net Zero Emission online coursework

The program combines MSDI's Sustainable Development Education Program with Climateworks Centre's expertise, offering an immersive experience that helps participants plan and implement net zero strategies across their organisations.

Read the full article in Monash Sustainable Development Institute News

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Empowering the next generation for a resilient future View

Monash students, including Ayu Lestari and Sam Marcus, are actively contributing to disaster risk reduction (DRR) through their involvement with the Monash Student Association (MSA) and various training programs. Ayu, a Master of International Development Practice student, has extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, focusing on disaster risk management and supporting vulnerable populations. Sam, a Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges student, has gained insights into DRR through his roles with St John Ambulance and Life Saving Victoria, emphasising youth engagement and education in emergency preparedness.

Their efforts highlight the importance of empowering young people to build resilient communities and address the challenges posed by climate change.

Read the full article in Monash University Accident Research Centre News

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Incorporating climate education in curricula View

Monash Rural Health in Gippsland developed a board game, 'Climate Disaster Response: The Game', to educate first-year medical students about sustainability and climate change. The game simulates scenarios where students act as junior doctors in rural or remote communities during high-impact climate events, such as heatwaves and floods. The game has been integrated earlier in the academic term to enhance student engagement and advocacy.

SDG13-Edu3 Climate Disaster Response board game

This initiative aims to prepare future health professionals to address the health impacts of climate change, a responsibility highlighted by the WHO-Civil Society Working Group.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Decarbonisation strategies for Australia View

The Climateworks Centre at Monash University has developed decarbonisation scenarios and released a report on decarbonising Australia's transport sector, both aimed at reducing emissions and aligning with the Paris Agreement:

The decarbonisation scenarios illustrate how Australia can reduce gas use and emissions, with a complete phase-out in residential buildings by 2050, through electrification, energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and reduced gas exports.
The report on the transport sector explores strategies to reduce emissions, focusing on zero-emissions vehicle uptake and diverse solutions like reducing travel demand and improving vehicle efficiency.

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Climate adaptation and inclusive resilience View

The Monash Business School Green Lab organised a series of roundtables with the US National Academy of Public Administration to tackle climate adaptation challenges, focusing on collaboration for solutions to global warming impacts.

Additionally, Monash University, through the KONEKSI project, is developing disability-inclusive climate resilience models in Indonesia, emphasising community engagement and inclusivity in disaster management.

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Climate change awareness View

In 2024 Monash University actively engaged in climate discussion and education through two key activities: hosting the 'Challenges of the Age: Climate Change' event and participating in the Science Comedy Program.

The Challenges of the Age event featured discussions on climate change post-COP28, led by experts including Professor Rebekah Brown and Professor Tony Capon, aiming to drive sustainable change.

Science Comedy Program event

The Science Comedy Program, involving Dr Kim Reid from the School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment, used humor to make scientific topics more accessible, enhancing public education and awareness about climate change.

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Climate policy analysis View

Monash University researchers are contributing to climate action through analysis and reporting on Australian climate policy and subnational climate targets:

SDG13-Res4 Net zero targets by state

Professor Robert Thomson co-authored a publication analyzing shifts in Australian climate policy over the past decade, highlighting the influence of fossil fuel profits and political lobbying.
The Climateworks Centre released a report on the progress of Australian states and territories in setting ambitious climate targets, which could inform national goals for 2035, emphasising the importance of collaboration between different levels of government.

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Net Zero Precinct: a living lab for sustainable transition View

The Net Zero Precinct at Monash University, particularly at the Clayton Campus and Monash Technology Precinct, serves as a Living Lab for experimenting with transitions to a net zero future. This initiative, part of the ARC Linkage project, involves diverse stakeholders including researchers, students, industry partners, and local residents.

Key activities include retrofitting homes, enhancing public transport, building circular waste systems, and supporting cycling. The initiative promotes climate action and sustainable urban development, while also exploring clean energy solutions and responsible consumption.

Researchers involved include Jenny Liu, Saba Marjani, Yanda Qu, Mark Yang, Grace Rodgerson, Mariam Salim, Anthony Brady, Eliza Negus, Eliza Harris, Shane French, and Darren Sharp from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.

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MSDI and partners form Transitions to Sustainable Health Systems consortium View

The Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) has launched the Transitions to Sustainable Health Systems (TSHS) consortium, bringing together partners from across the health sector to focus on emissions reduction in the Australian health system. The initiative builds on the National Health and Climate Strategy and aims to identify priorities and practical actions for accelerating emissions reduction.

The consortium includes representatives from various health organisations and government departments, and the first workshop emphasised the importance of innovation, leadership, and policy change. The program's first phase will develop a guide and work plan for emissions reduction in the health system.

Read the full article in Monash Sustainable Development Institute News

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Urgent action needed as climate change and refugee health challenges escalate View

Professor Jonathan Abrahams, Director of the Monash University Disaster Resilience Initiative, authored a report titled 'Global Health Action Delayed: People’s Health and Wellbeing Denied,' which highlights urgent global public health issues related to climate change and refugee immunisation.

The report underscores the gap between the escalating threats of climate change and the insufficient global investment in solutions, particularly criticising Australia's lack of commitment to global climate funds and its National Health and Climate Strategy. It also addresses the inadequate immunisation of refugees and asylum seekers, calling for culturally sensitive programs and better primary care support.

Read the full article in Monash University Accident Research Centre News

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Climateworks Centre's 15 years of climate action leadership View

The Climateworks Centre, affiliated with Monash University, has been pivotal in advancing climate action through investment strategies, policy influence, and strategic partnerships:

Anna Skarbek, CEO of Climateworks, was nominated for the Chair’s Award at the IGCC 2024 Awards for her leadership in climate investment, highlighting the Centre's role in guiding financial sectors towards sustainability.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Climateworks has significantly contributed to shaping climate policies, including influencing the 2015 Paris Agreement, and has developed initiatives like the Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia and the Deep Decarbonisation Pathways Project.
Anna Skarbek's speech on the 15th anniversary of Climateworks emphasised the organisation's contributions to climate action and sustainable development, aligning with Monash University's goals.

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Equitable climate action and policy advocacy View

Monash University is actively engaged in promoting climate action and equitable climate policies through financial and policy measures, with a focus on Southeast Asia's transition to a low-carbon economy and international cooperation. Key activities include:

The Climateworks Centre, led by Trang Nguyen, is addressing challenges in climate awareness and engagement, emphasising the need for clean energy investments and international partnerships.
At the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, Monash University advocated for equitable climate policies, focusing on sustainability and empowering diverse voices from the Indo-Pacific region, and influencing policy outcomes to secure climate funding for lesser-developed countries and small island nations.

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Climate finance and adaptation View

Monash University, through its PACT climate collaboration and Monash Business School, is actively engaging in climate finance and adaptation initiatives to promote climate action and resilience in vulnerable regions:

Ruel Yamuna, a PhD candidate from the PACT climate collaboration, was appointed to the board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), amplifying the Pacific region's voice in international climate finance.
Monash University participated in the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a delegation of climate action leaders, focusing on climate finance and policy outcomes.

Ruel Yamuna GCF climate fund photo

Monash Business School and the PACT Research Centre initiated a climate partnership to support Nauru in its climate change adaptation efforts, enhancing resilience to climate impacts.

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Supporting Australia's Net Zero transition View

Monash University's Climateworks Centre is actively involved in initiatives promoting climate action and sustainable transitions:

Anna Skarbek, CEO of the Climateworks Centre, was appointed to the Australian Government's Net Zero Economy Authority board, guiding Australia's transition to a net zero emissions economy.
The Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative, co-convened by Climateworks Centre, was recognised as a finalist for the Banksia Foundation’s Net Zero Action Award, focusing on decarbonising Australia's heavy industry.
Climateworks Centre continues to contribute to the development and assessment of corporate transition plans in Australia, aligning with the Paris Agreement's climate goals.

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Net zero precincts project advances urban transition governance View

The Net Zero Precincts ARC Linkage project at Monash University is advancing its second Living Lab cycle, focusing on urban transition governance and net zero ambitions through interdisciplinary collaboration. Key experiments include retrofitting student housing, building energy management, public transport planning, and sustainable building design. The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework, developed by Dr Darren Sharp and Dr Christoph Brodnik, guides these efforts.

Members of the Net Zero Precincts Living Lab

The MSDI Net Zero Academy offers professional development for executives on net zero strategies. The 'Imagining Net Zero Precinct Futures: Stage Two Report' envisions sustainable futures for the Monash University Clayton Campus and Monash Technology Precinct, integrating transition management with design anthropology. This initiative emphasises place-based learning and community collaboration.

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Monash Flight Emissions Offset Program takes off View

Monash University has launched the Flight Emissions Offset Program as part of its Net Zero Transport Initiative. This program aims to offset the carbon emissions from staff air travel by purchasing offsets from Greenfleet, a long-term partner focused on planting native biodiverse forests.

The initiative includes offsetting business-related travel, integrating offset costs into grant applications, developing a Low Carbon Travel Guide, and supporting research into zero emissions aviation fuel.

Airplane flying through a sunset sky