A global collaboration to face a global problem
As Australia stands on the threshold of implementing a carbon tax, a new book draws on research from different sides of the world to point the way forward for addressing the world’s environmental and energy concerns.
Energy and the Environmental Challenge – Lessons from the European Union and Australia was launched today at Monash University.
The result of an interdisciplinary conference hosted by the Monash University European and EU Centre at the University's Prato Centre, the book brings together the expertise of noted Australian and European academics and practitioners.
Edited by Lillian Wylie and Professor Pascaline Winand, Director of the Monash European and EU Centre, the book examines crucial debates on key areas of concern including global warming, climate change and energy security.
“Energy and the environment are the two central pillars of any lifestyle we construct for ourselves and we are now entering a new phase of thinking about using energy in a sustainable fashion,” said Professor Winand.
“Global cooperation on how to best manage these concerns, at both governmental and civil society levels, is crucial to our future.”
As the world looks to a future beyond coal Energy and the Environmental Challenge presents the many multifaceted and complex issues that must be considered by business, scientists, non-government organisations and policy makers. In particular, the need to establish sustainable and secure energy markets.
Professor Winand emphasised that such an international collaboration would not be possible without the gateway to Europe provided by the Prato Centre.
“Since 2001 the Prato Centre has provided the University with an alternate avenue for research and education. This upcoming publication embodies the manner in which Prato can facilitate the achievement of international collaborations that other universities find difficult to achieve,” said Professor Winand.
The Prato Centre supports a cross-disciplinary, multi-campus, multi-nation approach to education that enables the University to build a rapport with institutions, governments and cultural organisations across Europe. It also provides students with an avenue to study overseas.
At the launch of Energy and the Environmental Challenge, Dr Graeme Pearman presented an informative and engaging keynote speech exploring the risks of climate change and its relation to energy futures. Dr Pearman is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Monash Sustainability Institute and is the former Chief of the CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research.