Planning for biodiversity to cool cities and strengthen food systems

To coincide with Adelaide Climate Action Week, this webinar will explore the critical role biodiversity plays in building climate resilience.

As climate change intensifies, Adelaide is facing growing challenges from extreme heat, ecological decline, and increasing pressure on food systems. In this session, Associate Professor Douglas Bardsley will examine why biodiversity is essential for maintaining liveability, sustainability, and agro-ecology in a changing climate.

Topics will include:

The emerging climate change-driven risks facing Adelaide
Why biodiversity is essential for healthy, liveable and sustainable cities
Planning for “cool biodiversity” in and around urban areas
Designing biodiverse agro-ecosystems to support food availability and access
The role of biodiversity in creating healthier, more climate-resilient communities

This webinar is ideal for planners, environmental professionals, local government staff, educators, community groups, growers, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable cities and resilient food systems.

Dr Douglas Bardsley is an Associate Professor within the Department for Geography, Environment and Population, which sits within the School of Social Society and Culture at Adelaide University. Trained as a social geographer, an educator and an agricultural scientist, Doug's research interests over the last 30 years have focused on environmental and agricultural risk management, links between conservation and development, and education for sustainable development. Most of his research involves analysis and planning at the interface of social and environmental systems, with a focus on developing adaptation options to respond to climate change. His research has included supporting climate change adaptation planning for the Adelaide-Mt Lofty Ranges and the Indigenous Alinytjara Wilurara natural resource management regions in South Australia; resilience analysis within agricultural systems and rural communities; bushfire, water, coastal and invasive species risk management; and the study of interactions between environmental change and both human migration and education systems. Doug's work has been undertaken within different contexts in Australia, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, China, Fiji, Ghana, Switzerland and the European Union.

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For further information contact natalya.giffney@sa.gov.au

Photo credit: Martin Stokes

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