FUTURE CLIMATE
Future Climate – UNSW innovation for a resilient tomorrow
The Future Climate Expo 2024 is a testament to ingenuity in the face of adversity .
As we move towards a climate-resilient future , our focus is clear . Waste reduction and recycling , biodiversity conservation , resilience to natural disasters , and decarbonisation are not mere aspirations , they are guiding pillars in our research programs , collaborations , startups and commercialisation priorities .
The threat of extreme weather looms large , especially in Australia ' s bushfire-prone areas . UNSW research groups , in collaboration with government and industry partners , have designed artificially intelligent ( AI ) immersive environments that can be used to predict and respond to wildfires . They have also engineered fire prevention and suppression technologies such as FSI FIRECOAT , a paint that expands during heat exposure to form an insulating barrier . It is the first paint to receive a BAL-40 rating and is now available in Bunnings .
The safeguarding of our oceans is another focus for UNSW researchers . Projects that investigate the causes and impacts of marine heatwaves , build resilience amongst coastal communities across the Indo-Pacific , and explore the potential for carbon dioxide removal in Australian waters , all recognise the fundamental need to preserve marine environments .
A green future will not be possible without a circular economy . UNSW works with partners such as State Asphalts NSW , Noveco Group and Jamestrong to turn waste into valuable commercial products . This booklet includes a range of ingenious recycling solutions that convert coffee cups into road base , turn waste glass and textiles into engineered stone benchtops , and produce aerosol cans from recycled plastics .
Join us as we pave the way to a more sustainable tomorrow .
Professor Stephen Rodda Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry & Innovation UNSW Sydney • 3