Research at the the Barbara Hardy Centre
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Collaborative and multi-disciplinary research is a key to addressing complex environmental issues. Therefore, the Barbara Hardy Centre for Sustainable Urban Environments includes researchers from universities, government institutions, and private organisations.
South Australian cities, and Adelaide in particular, provide useful models for the Centre's research as they have a well-known history of ecological and geological change since European settlement and before. The development pressures faced in Adelaide are similar to those in many cities around the world. Important issues include the management of scarce water resources, developing new technologies for energy production, reducing the spatial growth of urban areas, combating atmospheric pollution and soil contamination, increasing agricultural productivity, and adapting to climate change.
The South Australian government, like many others, is committed to addressing these issues. Success will require sound background knowledge and community commitment. Accordingly, The The Barbara Hardy Centre promotes sustainability, with research and education focussed on green development, community involvement, and the conservation of biodiversity and natural processes.