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Monash is deeply committed to urgent, collective action on climate change

We’re helping limit global warming through transdisciplinary research, mission-oriented projects and partnerships across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

We're building momentum for transformative change through our focus on advancing climate finance, empowering youth and Indigenous leadership, and driving solutions for clean energy transitions, climate resilience, and net-zero emissions.

Facts and figures

  • Setting the pace for climate education and research

    We are setting the pace for climate education and research and designing innovative solutions to the global climate crisis.

  • Convening and leading networks in the Indo Pacific

    We are convening and leading networks in the Indo Pacific and assisting vulnerable frontline communities to become climate resilient.

  • Driving innovation excellence in green energy

    We continue to deliver breakthroughs in low emission technologies, clean energy systems and climate resilience solutions that align with the latest global targets and contribute directly to actionable pathways to net zero.

Monash climate action capability

With campuses across the Indo-Pacific, Monash is tackling the climate crisis by working to identify and implement solutions that address both local and global challenges that threaten our planet. From human and planetary health, to Indigenous wisdom, climate finance, human rights, youth empowerment, energy, innovation and more, Monash change-makers are helping to create a more sustainable and just world at the pace and scale that the climate emergency demands.

The annual COPs are critical moments when global efforts are assessed, commitments are refined and more ambitious climate action is pledged. COP31 is focused on accelerating climate action across ten priority areas – from clean energy and resilient cities to health, oceans, food systems, industry, waste and youth.

Monash is contributing research, expertise and partnerships across many of these priorities, with particular strengths in areas where we can help turn knowledge into practical solutions.

Climate and health

Advancing research and solutions that respond to the growing impacts of climate change on human and planetary health.

Indigenous knowledge and climate leadership

Working with Indigenous communities and knowledge systems to support more inclusive, place-based and resilient responses to climate change.

Education and youth

Equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to participate in and lead climate action.

Just energy transition

Accelerating the transition to clean energy while supporting equitable outcomes for communities, economies and industries

Oceans, water and resilience

Building knowledge and solutions to protect marine and freshwater systems and strengthen the resilience of communities that depend on them.

Climate resilience and circular economy

Building climate resilient communities while advancing circular solutions that reduce waste, use resources more sustainably and support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Thought leadership

Explore our thought leadership on climate action and COP

Since becoming an official UNFCCC Observer Organization in 2016, Monash has sent a delegation to every COP.

Our COP31 delegation brings together academics, professional staff and students, representing the breadth of Monash expertise and our shared commitment to turning climate knowledge into action

Learn more
Globe showing Australia

Is this Australia’s climate wake-up call?

A new federal assessment warns that without decisive action, Australia faces a hotter, harsher future. From soaring health risks to crumbling infrastructure and a strained economy - climate shocks will ripple through every corner of society.

This landmark report lays bare what’s at stake and why the time to act is now.

Read more

News and media

PACT researcher named COP 31 Pacific Envoy for Access to Climate Finance

Pacific Island nations are among the world’s most climate-vulnerable, yet they struggle to access the finance needed for recovery, adaptation, mitigation and long-term resilience.

What Australia’s climate targets mean for our health

Australia has unveiled major climate policies. From public health threats to emissions targets, how well do these plans respond to the mounting health impacts of climate change?

False fixes for a melting planet

New research has found high-tech plans to save polar ice will fail, and could also unintentionally harm fragile polar ecosystems.

Humidity, heat, and harm: Global review exposes the rising health risks

A new global review reveals a surge in deadly heat events – especially in humid regions – and highlights urgent gaps in global policy, public health protections, and climate resilience.

Global warming is changing cloud patterns – that means more global warming

Clouds, once Earth’s natural coolers, are shifting due to global warming – shrinking reflective zones and expanding warmer ones – triggering a feedback loop that’s accelerating climate change.

What would a climate model made from music sound like?

A team of artists and scientists have merged climate data with music, transforming ocean eddy simulations into immersive soundscapes that creatively communicate climate science and explore imaginative environmental futures.

Global warming reaches Earth’s edge: Heard Island glaciers retreat by 23%

Dramatic ice loss on Australia’s remote sub-Antarctic territory Heard Island is exposing the far-reaching impact of climate change.

From warning to action: The real cost of inaction on disaster resilience

Australia is failing to build climate resilience. Without leadership, funding, or innovation, communities face rising risks and worsening disasters.

Pabai climate change case fails: Where to from here?

The Federal Court dismissed a key climate case, revealing legal limits in protecting Torres Strait Islanders and underscoring the need for urgent climate law reform in Australia.

The new climate currency for business

As net zero targets become the norm, it’s credible climate transition plans that now separate business leaders from laggards.

How ocean warming is reshaping Australia

On World Oceans Day, scientists warn that warming seas are already changing Australia’s climate, ecosystems and economy – whether you live by the beach or far inland.

Today’s decisions, tomorrow’s climate: Let youth in

With Australia a chance to host COP31 next year, it’s critical that youth aren’t excluded from the table once again.

Why Australia should put health at the heart of COP31

Australia’s bid to host COP31 offers a rare opportunity to reshape its climate reputation by prioritising the human health impacts of climate change and standing with its Pacific neighbours.

The cost of complacency: Why climate risk must stay on the agenda

Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment is a vital step toward climate resilience, but it must not be the last – regular, evidence-based assessments are essential to protect people, infrastructure, and the economy.

How climate change is reshaping real estate and economic geography

Climate change is driving up insurance costs, impacting housing affordability, and reshaping economic geography. The insurance protection gap and fiscal implications of extreme weather events are becoming increasingly significant.

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Pacific islands

Climate action is everyone’s responsibility. For Monash University, it's our calling.

Monash is pioneering a path to a greener, smarter, more sustainable future, where emissions are lower and the natural environment and humans thrive. To achieve this, we have become a force for global climate action by helping limit global warming through a range of transdisciplinary projects and mission-oriented goals.

Learn more


Professor Steven Chown

Change in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean is having existential consequences for all in the Indo-Pacific. How that change will continue to play out is a major source of uncertainty for sea level rise projections, a research area being led by Monash. What is certain, though, is that the only way forward, to limit loss and damage, is swift decarbonization of the global economy. The benefits will be realised rapidly by people and nature. Monash is a leader in research to underpin such rapid action. We know how to do it. And we have the momentum.

- Professor Steven Chown, Director, Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF)