Acting Director's Note

Dear SEI community, 

I start this note with an acknowledgement that this is a highly tumultuous and troubling time for many in our community. In the face of challenges that at times seem insurmountable, to my mind, being there for each other with respect, trust, and reciprocity, and being collectively focused on the transformative work we can do are the most effective and ethical responses available.  

Turning now to SEI more directly, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our new Climate and Biodiversity Crises Series. Our inaugural panel, "We can’t save the climate by destroying nature," will kick off next week during Climate Action Week. Our aim in this series is to bring the biodiversity and climate frames together, and I imagine these are going to be enormously generative conversations. I hope you will join us. You can register for the event below. 

Congratulations to the team who did the research behind and authored the 'Empowering Communities, Harnessing Local Knowledges: Self-Organising Systems for Disaster Risk Reduction Findings Report'. This report explores the resilience of communities following recent natural disasters. This research exemplifies what SEI does best – a truly inter-disciplinary team, working on issues of critical importance in partnership with affected communities.

Lastly, I would like to extend my congratulations to Prof Carolyn Hogg, our SEI Deputy Director External Engagement, on her appointment as Councillor at the Biodiversity Council. Carolyn will no doubt bring her unique set of skills and passion to her new role, as well elevating SEI’s work on biodiversity. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement with SEI. 

Danielle Celermajer
Acting Director, Sydney Environment Institute

We can't save the climate by destroying nature

Join us for a discussion that explores how the biodiversity crisis is inextricably linked to the climate crisis, and that in solving climate change we must also repair nature.

In partnership with the Australian Conservation Foundation and as part of Sydney’s first Climate Action Week, hear from leading voices across academia, not-for-profit, business and government as they discuss how a holistic perspective will be crucial for a resilient and thriving future.

Please join us for breakfast and light refreshments after the panel.

Date: Fri 17 May
Time: 8.30-10.00am
Venue: Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Sydney

More events and opportunities

Climate Action Week Sydney will feature over 100 community-led events across Sydney from all aspects of the climate action ecosystem | 13-19 May, learn more

The 'Climate transition heating up' panel will discuss the race for the clean energy transition in the Indo-Pacific | 6.00-7.30pm Tue 21 May, register here

Dr Lee White is hosting a workshop on measuring energy insecurity | 10.00am-1.00pm, Fri 31 May, register here

The Charles Perkins Centre Nepean and the Cardiovascular Initiative are hosting the 'Climate change, environment and cardiovascular health' symposium | 9.30am-2.30pm, Fri 28 Jun, learn more

In case you missed it

In the aftermath of severe flooding in NSW, the 'Empowering Communities, Harnessing Local Knowledges' report highlights the pivotal role of community-led responses.

Dr Justin See has been awarded new research funding for the 'Stories of Resilience' project, supported by The British Academy.

Prof Susan Park was featured on ABC Radio, discussing 'How do we ensure an ethical green future?'.

'Beyond the Anthropocene: We must rethink our epoch' was published in The Institute of Art and Ideas by Dr Sophie Chao.

Become a member

Interested in joining our global network? Submit an expression of interest. SEI members receive opportunities to work with environmental scholars and practitioners from across disciplines to tackle the greatest challenges of our time.