Research collaborations
The Global Ecology Laboratory has many collaborative projects with other research groups within the Environment Institute.
Primary research areas include:
Energy, emissions and offsets
Development of renewable energies focuses on geothermal (hot rocks), biofuels and wind energy. The widespread use of micro wind turbines is currently limited due to their noise and research is taking place to identify and control this aerodynamic noise. Engineering solutions include combustion and enabling technologies to reduce emissions from all renewable fuels, in particular biodiesel fuels, and techniques for CO2 containment (i.e. geosequestration).
Adaptive responses for sustainable environments
The impact of climate changes (past, present and future) on terrestrial and aquatic systems, resource and habitat management, and the adaptability and vulnerability of regional and urban communities are included in this program area. Likely future impacts are being modelled at a regional and a local scale to provide sound research and scientific understanding to inform Government policy and industry responses.
Marine Impacts
Research that explores the implications of climate change for the marine biota. The adaptability of marine species to climate forcing will be examined in conjunction with other drivers of population change, such as fishing exploitation, coastal development and other forms of habitat degradation. Future impacts are being quantified and modelled to provide well-supported predictions of marine system health across Australia.
Productive agriculture under global change
Research to evaluate changes in threatening processes (eg landscape fragmentation, invasive species) and their impact on the interrelationships between natural and production systems is being carried out.
Population health and social impacts
Research into the social and economic impact in rural communities of climate change and increased climatic variability, particularly in those areas of the country where communities are largely economically dependent on agricultural production.
Water Use under Increased Climate Variability
Assoc Professor Justin Brookes
Research tracks, manages and allocates water to ensure that both society and the environment gain the greatest net benefit from the available water as the climate becomes more variable.
