Macquarie University/The Lighthouse
Macquarie Research Backs Earth Day: Carbon to Climate
The economist
Dr Marjan Nazifi, pictured, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Co-Director of the Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre.
Earth Day is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. It encourages action at all levels, from individuals to global institutions, and highlights the urgency of addressing climate change, energy transitions, and environmental sustainability. For me, Earth Day is a moment to reflect on how academic research can directly support more equitable, efficient, and sustainable energy systems.
My research explores the links between carbon markets and energy markets, focusing on how price signals and policy design influence investment and behaviour in energy systems. By analysing how carbon pricing interacts with electricity market dynamics, I provide insights to support the effective integration of renewable energy, reduce emissions, and guide policy that incentivises cleaner technologies. Achieving the 2030 goal depends not only on technology but also on how we align market incentives with climate action, and that’s where my research contributes.
The urban planner
Professor Peter Davies, pictured, from the School of Natural Sciences is course director of the Master of Sustainable Development degree, and an executive member of Macquarie University’s Smart Green Cities Research Centre and the Centre for Environmental Law.
To me the iconic Blue Marble image of Earth, taken by the astronauts of the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, is the essence of what Earth Day represents: this is our only place, and we must take individual and collective responsibility to care for it.
Energy transitions require many minds and disciplinary insights, and establishing connections across the research community, bridging social and physical sciences, is where the impact happens.
This could involve integrating renewable energy generation with farming through collaborations with Associate Professor Madeline Taylor in Law, the performance of photovaltaic (solar energy) systems with Dr Sara Deilami, using markets and financing to incentivise change with Professor Stefan Trueck and using green spaces to mitigate urban heat with Dr Michael Chang, Professor Michelle Leishman and Professor Maria Kangas. Inspiration is all around; just step outside your office to find solutions.
The environmental scientist
Professor Paul Beggs, pictured, is an Environmental Health Scientist in the School of Natural Sciences and Director of the Lancet Countdown Oceania Regional Centre.
What could be more important than appreciating and protecting the amazing planet we live on? We should do this every day of the year, but Earth Day provides a focus for us to stand back and appreciate what is truly important. To me, Earth Day brings together the things I am passionate about – our environment, our climate and the health of the human species and all others that we share this planet with.
My research on the connections between climate change and human health highlights many opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable energy such as wind and solar – and this switch can improve our health at the same time.
The business analyst
Stefan Trueck , pictured, is a Professor of Business Analytics, Director of Macquarie University’s Centre for Transforming Energy Markets and Co-Director of the Centre for Risk Analytics at Macquarie Business School.
Earth Day is important because it reminds us of our responsibility to protect the planet for current and future generations.
To triple the amount of sustainable energy by 2030 in comparison to 2022 levels is a very ambitious goal. My research and the research of the Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre can help enable a smooth transition of the energy sector through improving reliability and cost-effectiveness of electricity markets – and exploring how to achieve energy justice. It is very important that we still have a reliable supply of electricity and keep energy affordable for everyone.
The international lawyer
Dr Constantinos Yiallourides, pictured, is Senior Lecturer in International Law at Macquarie School of Law, Deputy Director of the Centre of Environmental Law and affiliate member of the University’s Transforming Energy Markets Research Centre.
Global awareness days like Earth Day provide a powerful opportunity to reflect, connect and mobilise action to protect our planet. For those of us working towards decarbonisation and a just energy transition, Earth Day is a timely reminder of the urgency and importance of our shared mission. Reducing carbon emissions is not merely a policy choice – it is an environmental necessity.
The science is clear and conclusive: as global temperatures continue to rise, so too do the risks to ecosystems, marine life and human wellbeing. The world remains on track for a temperature rise of between 2.6°C and 3.1°C by the end of the century, well above internationally-agreed targets. Earth Day is a global call to consider how best to ensure a just, well-managed transition – one that safeguards people, strengthens resilience and steers us towards a low-carbon future.
The cardiologist
Dr Fiona Foo, pictured, is a cardiologist at Macquarie University Hospital, and one of the few female Interventional cardiologists in Australia. She is an active member of Doctors for the Environment Australia and founded the Macquarie University Hospital Sustainability Committee.
Earth Day increases awareness about the importance of looking after our planet, through education and advocacy we can all make a difference. What’s great is that this day is a worldwide event that it gives us all hope at a time when we really need it. Educating and advocating for renewable energy not only helps the environment but also our health. We can help accelerate the uptake of renewable energy among the general public and increase government investment and support.
The environmental lawyer
Surya Deva is a Professor at Macquarie Law School, Director of the Centre for Environmental Law and B&HR Access to Justice Lab, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development.
I believe Earth Day is more important now than ever before as environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change threaten the very survival of both people and the planet’s ecosystems. We should make every day an Earth Day, learning from Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony for centuries.
My research advocates for a fundamental shift in our economic model where both states and businesses play key roles in energy transitions. The world not only needs renewable but also responsible energy. It is important that solutions that we develop today for the sustainable energy transition do not end up becoming problems in future. For example, we should question whether resource-intensive electric vehicles or improved public transport systems better serve our long-term goals. My research also addresses energy inequalities within and among countries, creating the systemic conditions necessary to achieve ambitious energy targets in a just and sustainable manner.
How to reduce your environmental impact every day
https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/april-2025/from-carbon-markets-to-climate-health,-how-macquarie-research-supports-earth-day