Here are some examples of our work at UTS contributing towards SDG 15.
About SDG 15: Life on land
Deforestation and land degradation are major global problems, resulting in a crisis of habitat and biodiversity loss. Protection and conservation targets are not being met, with most key indicators heading in the wrong direction. Poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products adds pressure.
Australia is not immune, with widespread land clearing and ongoing species loss. In 2021 the Federal Government added 13 species to the list of extinct species under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. The intensity of bushfires, exacerbated by climate change, is adding further pressure.
The UTS Faculty of Science is exploring what makes some species more resilient. Below are some examples of our contribution and impact.
Using low-flammability plant species to manage wildfires
This research identifies low-flammability plant species that can help mitigate the impacts of wildfires – helping to protect people, infrastructure and native flora and fauna.
Sharing the consequences of extreme bushfire events online
The devastating impacts of the 2019-2020 “Black Summer” fires on Australian flora and fauna was seared into the public consciousness through the use of social media and hashtags, changing mainstream Australia’s relationship with nature.
