Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption, Meteorological Satellite Center,Japan Meteorological Agency

February 2022

From volcanic eruptions to tropical cyclones - adaptation and disaster risk reduction are still a question of finance for small islands

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are incredibly vulnerable to intensifying hazards from climate change. But the challenges that SIDS face in adapting can only be understood by looking at how these impacts interact with other risks – not all of them environmental.

December 2021

Australia’s biggest fossil fuel investment for a decade is in the works – and its greenhouse gas emissions will be horrifying

Bill Hare

The controversial Scarborough gas project off Western Australia will cause a substantial rise in greenhouse gas emissions at a time when the world must rapidly decarbonise, new analysis shows.

June 2021

Ocean thermal energy conversion – what is it and what role could it play for Small Island States in the Caribbean?

Dr Robert Brecha

Using Geographical Information Systems tools, we have determined where water depth and proximity to shore could provide a site for ocean thermal energy conversion installation for all islands in the Caribbean. But this technology is still the poor cousin in the renewables family, leading many to ask – what is ocean thermal energy conversion and what can it bring to the table to support a 100% renewable electricity system?

May 2021

The 1.5℃ global warming limit is not impossible – but without political action it soon will be

Bill Hare, Dr Carl-Friedrich Schleussner

Whether Earth can stay within 1.5℃ warming involves two distinct questions. First, is it physically, technically and economically feasible, considering the physics of the Earth system and possible rates of societal change? Science indicates the answer is “yes” – although it will be very difficult and the best opportunities for success lie in the past.

From left: Olivia Serdeczny, Marina Adrijevic, Nicole van Maanen, Emily Theokritoff and Shruti Nath

March 2021

International Women’s Day: climate scientists who happen to be women

Dr Olivia Serdeczny

A year into COVID-19 restrictions, and the world has changed dramatically. Ahead of this year's International Women's Day, we spoke to some our scientists about their research, progressing their PhDs in a pandemic, and how they experience their gender in their work.

Climate impacts and risks

Planting mangroves helps to protect coastlines. Image by kmarius from Pixabay

July 2020

Climate change and small islands: more scientific evidence of high risks

Dr Rosanne Martyr

Small island developing states (SIDS) have long been recognised as being particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In a recently published article our researchers added further scientific evidence that island states are particularly at risk, and face unique challenges in addressing impacts.

About us

Decarbonisation targets and 1.5℃ pathways

Comment