Climate change and coastal wetlands scientist, The University of Queensland’s Professor Catherine Lovelock, has been announced as a 2021 Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Professor Lovelock is one of 22 Australians today acknowledged by the Academy for their extraordinary contributions to Australian science.
She’s a globally renowned expert, who focuses her research on the impacts of climate change on coastal wetlands and on the role of coastal ecosystems in mitigating climate change, or blue carbon.
“Blue carbon is the carbon stored in soils and coastal wetland biomass, and it’s important in regulating greenhouse gases,” Professor Lovelock said.
“These areas also provide coastal protection, habitat for biodiversity, fisheries and amelioration of land-based pollution.
“People depend on the oceans and coastal ecosystems as a source of food, livelihoods, carbon capture and, thanks to coral reefs, mangroves and other coastal ecosystems, for protection from storms.
“But people are having enormous impacts globally and it’s time to do what we must to ensure our oceans are healthy and vibrant for generations to come.”
Professor Lovelock’s research has focussed particularly on mangrove ecology, on the impacts of sea-level rise on mangroves and on carbon storage in mangrove ecosystems.
She was lead author for the International Panel for Climate Change Wetlands chapter (2019) and contributes to national and international policy to implement conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands in order to enhance resilience of coastal communities.
“Blue carbon offers a way to conserve and restore mangroves, saltmarshes and seagrass while helping with climate change mitigation and better preparing our coasts for the impacts of climate change,” she said.
“Conserving coastal wetlands could improve food security for the millions of people who depend on them and reduce the dangers of storm damage and flooding – saving billions of dollars.
“They provide so many benefits to coastal society that investing to rebuild them is a no-brainer.
“It’s incredibly important and urgent work, so it’s an honour to be recognised by the Academy in this way – I hope it can help turn public attention toward the importance of blue carbon.”
Australian Academy of Science President, Professor John Shine, congratulated the new Fellows for their achievements on the international stage.
“These researchers have not only been at the forefront of Australia's scientific community, but have also been leaders in global science,” said Professor Shine.
“The 2021 Fellows were elected by their Academy peers after a rigorous evaluation.
“I warmly congratulate and welcome each Fellow on their election and for their extraordinary contribution to science and society.”
Media: Professor Catherine Lovelock, c.lovelock@uq.edu.au, +61 429 854 507; Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
