Dear SEI community,

As we step into 2025, it has become more and more clear that the climate and biodiversity crises are thoroughly tied to a crisis for democratic institutions, and for various forms of justice. In the face of such interlinked crises, SEI will continue to foster critical conversations, collaborations, and research that help conceive, shape, and implement a just and sustainable future. 

One of the key themes of our public programming this year will be on the role of justice in the range of our research themes. Our event calendar opens with the Iain McCalman Lecture. This year, the flagship lecture will be delivered by Dr Mitch Gibbs, who will share insights on his experiences embedding Indigenous knowledges in environmental research. Join us on Thursday 6 March by registering below. 

SEI will also be at Climate Action Week 2025 on Monday 10 March, where we will host a conversation with our partners at the Committee for Sydney and AECOM, and launch a report on how nature-based solutions can transform flood risk management in Greater Sydney. The panel discussion will bring together experts from civil society, industry, government, and research to explore how green and blue infrastructure can enhance resilience, protect biodiversity, and shape a more sustainable city.

We’re proud to see SEI’s research continuing to have social, cultural, and political impact, with our latest study on animals in disasters, highlighting community efforts during the Black Summer fires, featured in The Conversation and quickly picked up and featured by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience.  

Many thanks to all of you for your contributions to just and sustainable responses to the climate and biodiversity crises, in the midst of difficult times. I look forward to seeing you soon.

David Schlosberg