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Our Vision is to safeguard the environment now for future generations.
We deliver the knowledge needed to halt and reverse environmental decline and ensure a future that is healthy, diverse and equitable.
We work to understand the functioning of and pressures facing biodiversity, water and ecosystem services, and to deliver solutions with partners to halt and reverse environmental decline in terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems across natural, production and urban landscapes.
We have researchers across all faculties of the University of Adelaide, the Environment Institute's multidisciplinary approach focuses on safe-guarding the planet, land, water and air resources delivering outcomes with industry government and community.
Hope and Wonder
The Hope and Wonder series is an informative collection of resources that includes public lectures, podcasts and events designed to inspire wonder in the natural world, while also providing hope that we can safeguard the environment.
Our research
The Environment Institute represents a diverse range of centres and programs, dedicated to making environmental change.
Our team
We have an enthusiastic team of researchers, dedicated to great research and results.
About us
Find out more about the Environment Institute, including our newsletters, annual reports and the latest research wins.
International Symposium on Green Urban Futures & Future Tree Workshop
National Wine Centre, The University of Adelaide, 3 – 5 December 2025.
Showcasing prominent international, national and local speakers to address challenges and discuss novel ways for cities around the world to achieve green urban futures. Includes: policy and planning; trees and urban forests; social sciences and economics; built environment; public health and education.
Member resources
Members of the Environment Institute are invited to use the resources available including images and templates.
Latest news
South Australian Biodiversity Under Threat from Ongoing Drought Crisis
Three Environment Institute members have featured in The Guardian, shedding light on how South Australia’s historic dry spell is impacting ecosystems. Dr Stefan Caddy-Retalic spoke on widespread tree dieback across the Adelaide Hills, Dr Jess Marsh raised alarms for the critically endangered Kangaroo Island assassin spider, and Dr Katja Hogendoorn warned of a looming collapse in native bee populations.
Read more about South Australian Biodiversity Under Threat from Ongoing Drought Crisis
Is Australia Ready for a 20-Year Megadrought?
Australia’s droughts are becoming longer and more intense, new research from Dr Georgy Falster at the University of Adelaide suggests the country could face megadroughts lasting 20 or more years. Supported by an ARC DECRA Fellowship, Dr Falster is taking a holistic approach by combining historical data from tree rings, weather records, and climate models to better understand past droughts and predict future risks. Her work aims to improve national preparedness and ensure droughts don’t become disasters.
Read more about Is Australia Ready for a 20-Year Megadrought?
New Methods Discovered to Repurpose Lignin
Environment Institute member Dr Fiona Whelan and Associate Professor Stephen Bell, have developed a new sustainable method to repurpose lignin waste. Using an enzyme from the bacterium Amycolatopsis thermoflava, they’ve created a more environmentally friendly way to break down lignin, a common by-product from forestry.
Rising Temperatures Linked to Growing Mental Health Burden in Australia
Environment Institute member Professor Peng Bi has led a landmark study that links rising temperatures to an increasing burden of mental and behavioural disorders in Australia, including depression and anxiety. The data highlights the urgent need for climate adaption, as it projected up to a 50% increased in mental health impacts by 2050 if no action is taken. The peer-reviewed study was published in Nature Climate Change and featured in ABC Online.
Read more about Rising Temperatures Linked to Growing Mental Health Burden in Australia15 Apr
2024 Resilient Youth Report Finds Concerning Decline in Students Connection to Nature
The recently released 2024 Resilient Youth Report by WiLDLab reveals a concerning decline in students' connection to nature. For the first time, the report links this disconnection to student wellbeing, as highlighted by project lead and Environment Institute member Dr Mark Kohler. 13 Apr
'Steering Sustainability' a FAME Podcast
Join Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray and Dr Ariane Gienger as they dive into the complexities of building a sustainable future in their podcast, Steering Sustainability. Each episode features engaging conversations with leading experts, offering both sobering and hopeful insights into how we can create lasting positive change. 11 Apr
Looking back on WOMADelaide 2025
The Environment Institute presented The Planet Talks at the 2025 WOMADelaide Festival, held on Saturday, 9th March. Taking place at the Frome Park Pavilion, these thought-provoking sessions brought together inspiring speakers to discuss, collaborate, and spark positive change for the environment. Click to listen to both sessions now. 10 Apr
Urgent Call to Investigate Kangaroo Deaths on Fleurieu Peninsula
Associate Professor Wayne Boardman from the University of Adelaide has called for a thorough investigation into the recent deaths of kangaroos on the Fleurieu Peninsula, challenging assumptions that the cause is phalaris staggers and emphasizing the need to consider environmental factors such as toxins and climate impacts. 09 Apr
Creating Wasted Whey into Opportunity
New research found by Jack Hetherington from the Centre for Global Food and Resources, has discovered innovative ways to repurpose whey, a by-product of cheese production and one of the largest sources of food loss and waste in the Australian dairy industry. 08 Apr Stefan Caddy-Retalic, an adjunct senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide’s Waite Arboretum and an Environment Institute member, comments on thw preservation of the iconic Overbury Drive red gum. He shares his knowledge in urban ecology, gaining attention from major media outlets like The Guardian, Yahoo News, AOL, and MSN.
Newsletter & social media
Join us for a sensational mix of news, events and research at the Environment Institute. Find out about new initiatives and share with your friends what's happening.