New research taps into the wisdom of water
From too much to not enough – water extremes like floods and droughts are just some of the ways climate risks are impacting our cities and regions.
Researchers at the University of Newcastle are hoping to tap into the wisdom of the Hunter River, the largest coastal catchment in NSW, to re-think the design of estuary cities, like Newcastle, in the climate century.
Led by College of Engineering, Science and Environment Senior Lecturer, Dr Irene Perez Lopez, the research series will look at how the Hunter River basin and estuary have changed over time. The goal is to identify key features that will allow us to live well while reducing flood and other climate-associated risks in future.
We are all connected by our relationships with water. From the Indigenous cultural practices and water management, to architects, urban and infrastructure designers that shape our cities and regions today.
In many ways the climate crisis is a water crisis. As we enter the next decade, there are big questions to answer around how we can work with our waterways and natural systems instead of fighting against them. We need research, community and Indigenous knowledge, and engagement to support these decisions.”
-Dr Irene Perez Lopez, Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture and Built Environment
Through her research, Dr Perez Lopez hopes to inform more evidence-based design guidelines that take advantage of unique estuary characteristics to create more sustainable, secure, resilient and liveable estuary cities.
What secrets can the Hunter River basin and estuary reveal about the future of climate resilience and sustainability for our region and communities around the world?
By supporting this research, you can help to change the way we approach some of the greatest environmental, social and economic challenges of our time – climate adaptation and our relationship with water.
If you would like to contribute to extend this important research, please visit here.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.