About us

Our research explores the intersections of climate change and work, notably the myriad ways in which climate change is impacting and threatening work, and the types of work involved in responding to climate change. We define work broadly to encompass paid and unpaid, formal and informal, labour. We also define climate change broadly to encompass the range of indirect as well as direct ways climate-related stresses and disruptions are affecting the world. By combining these analytical starting points, we are generating new insights about the complexities and implications of climate change for the world as we know it.

While we are a small team, we generate out-sized positive impact by focusing on important levers of change, notably policy and work practices. We are committed to understanding and supporting society’s enabling sectors – those foundational areas of work that strive to improve our collective well-being. This includes a wide range of public sector organisations (including all levels of government, public utilities such as water, electricity and transport and health organisations), community service and not-for-profit organisations, and the education and research sectors, namely universities.

Existing non-academic partners include the Australian Climate Service, Natural Hazards Research Australia, Murray Darling Basin Authority, Creative Australia, Green Music Australia, Infrastructure Victoria, City of Bendigo, Sunshine Coast and Noosa City Councils, North East and North Central Catchment Management Authorities, WaterWatch, EstuaryWatch and Yarra Valley Water.

Through advisory roles and other work, we also collaborate with the Climate Change Exchange, Regen Melbourne, Victorian Government, NSW Government, CSIRO, Parks Victoria and the ARC Special Initiative Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future, among others.

We are fortunate to be based in the La Trobe School of Humanities and Social Sciences. We also collaborate with people from across the University, whether academic colleagues in rural health, aged care, social work, the Business school, freshwater ecosystems, conservation science and agriculture, and the University Sustainability Team.