Goal 15: Life on Land

Groundbreaking research has shown a significant shift in fire characteristics in southeastern Australian over the past 200 years, led by Rebecca Ryan from UOW's School of Science.

The research team, including Emeritus Senior Professor Ross Bradstock, Honorary Fellow Dr Kat Haynes and Professor Anthony Dosseto, combined geological sediment analysis with historical records to track bushfire activity over two centuries across Australia. 

The comprehensive study analysed fire indicators preserved in sediment cores, revealing that bushfires have become significantly more frequent and intense, driven by climatic shifts associated with global warming and changes in land management practices following European colonisation.

The evidence has been instrumental in shaping state and national fire management strategies, and promoting prescribed burns, community education programs and resilience-building initiatives across fire-prone regions. By providing long-term context that extends far beyond modern records, the study enhances scientific understanding of fire ecology and supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at mitigating future fire risks amid accelerating climate change. 

• SDG 13 – Climate Action 
• SDG 15 – Life on Land 

Bushfires have surged in frequency and intensity over last 200 years  

In August 2024, UOW launched the Sustainable snapshots: putting Country into focus photographic competition and exhibition, inviting eligible staff and students to celebrate their connection to Country and showcase sustainability in action. The competition received over 70 entries, each accompanied by a title and a reflective caption, highlighting personal connections to the natural environment and sustainable practices across UOW campuses.  

The initiative fostered a vibrant dialogue about sustainability and cultural connection at UOW. Through creative expression, participants and viewers were encouraged to reflect on their relationship with Country and the practical steps they can take toward environmental stewardship. The exhibition celebrated individual perspectives while reinforcing the University’s commitment to sustainability, community, and Indigenous values. Dr Aimee Silla from the School of Science was the winner in the Sustainability in Action category. Her photograph entitled Safeguarding our fabulous frogs, featured the critically endangered Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis). 

^{Aimee Silla (2024).
Safeguarding our fabulous frogs, Sustainable snapshots competition,
Staff first place winner – Category 2: Sustainability in Action.}

• SDG 4 – Quality Education 
• SDG 13 – Climate Action 
• SDG 15 – Life on Land

Sustainable snapshots: putting Country into focus photographic competition