Why It Matters

The physical signs and socio-economic impacts of climate change are accelerating as record greenhouse gas concentrations drive global temperatures towards increasingly dangerous levels. A warming planet means rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of weather events (fires, floods, cyclones, droughts), ocean acidification, and species loss, which is putting our health, livelihoods, food security, freshwater supply and sustainable development at risk.

The most recent IPCC report stated that global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2050 if it continues to increase at the current rate.

But limiting global warming to 1.5ºC compared to 2ºC could go hand in hand with ensuring a more sustainable and equitable society. The next 2 - 3 years are a critical window when many of the policy and investment decisions that are made will shape the future of our planet.

Earthwatch is working with researchers, corporations and the community to reduce carbon emissions, empower action and improve mitigation and adaptation strategies for the benefit of people and natural ecosystems.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Protecting Australia’s biodiversity

Climate Change has emerged as the single greatest threat to biodiversity. In partnership with Melbourne University and Bureau of Meteorology, we created the largest phenological study in the southern hemisphere to build a network of citizen scientists across the nation to collect data on our plants and animals that will help shape the country’s response to climate change.

ClimateWatch

Valuing our Blue Carbon stocks

Wetlands store 30-40% more carbon than terrestrial systems and therefore are critical ecosystems for mitigating climate change. In partnership with HSBC & Deakin University, and Mitsubishi Development & MangroveWatch, we are undertaking two critical research projects to understand the true value of these natural systems.

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Bringing carbon offsetting to life

The Great Barrier Reef is seriously threatened by climate change and poor water quality. Working with Qantas, Green Collar and Jaragun, we engage people in rebuilding wetlands and endangered rainforest to increase carbon storage and filter water before it reaches the reef. The project demonstrates first-hand the benefits of offsetting.

Become a ClimateWatcher
Participate in an expedition
Include into your curriculum
Engage your staff
Partner with us
Donate to research

A Safe Climate Future

Donations will ensure more people take practical, science-led actions on the climate crisis.

Latest

Workshops

Focusing on two areas, Climate Action and Wetlands, your school can host workshops with Earthwatch program managers.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Tiny Forests

Urban forests play a critical role in maintaining the health and liveability of cities, increasing a city's resilience. Earthwatch Australia is partnering with researchers and social enterprises across Australia to deliver tiny forests, an accelerated and intensive planting process to bring biodiversity back into our cities.
Wetlands not Wastelands

In partnership with Coca Cola Australia Foundation, the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, and Plastic Collective, Earthwatch provides training to 20 CLCAC Indigenous Land and Environment Rangers and 30 community volunteers to help deliver a first-of-its-kind marine pollution and wetland management program in the Lower Gulf of Carpentaria.

Protect our Unique Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, with more than 70% of our species found nowhere else on earth. We can stop the decline of our wildlife by helping people reconnect with nature.
Restore our Iconic Landscapes

Earthwatch Australia’s programs build awareness and evidence of the interconnectedness between biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services, and the value nature provides in sustaining our livelihoods.
Save the Reef and Oceans

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. Coral reefs are home to one quarter of all life in the oceans, and provide humans with immense benefits such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism.

Save the Reef and Oceans

From biodiversity and food supply to the livelihoods of millions, so much depends on our oceans. Coral reefs are home to one quarter of all life in the oceans, and provide humans with immense benefits such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism.
Global Impact

Earthwatch is committed globally to inspiring action for a net positive impact on the environment.
Plastic Pollution Solutions

By 2050 it is predicted there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. We need to act now to stop plastics entering our oceans and we can't do it without your support.
Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef

Help Earthwatch scientists in active recovery efforts on and around Magnetic Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Why It Matters

The global climate crisis is the most pressing environmental challenge humanity now faces. Earthwatch can help you be a part of the solution and together we can keep ahead of climate change.
Protect our Unique Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its unique wildlife, with more than 70% of our species found nowhere else on earth. We can stop the decline of our wildlife by helping people reconnect with nature.
Save the Bees

Global honey bee populations are decreasing at an alarming rate. To understand and prevent colony collapse, Earthwatch is putting tiny ‘backpacks’ on our bee friends to find out more about them.
Expedition Team Leader

Do you have a passion for science, biodiversity and education? We are looking for an Expedition Team Leader for our Bush Blitz Expedition at Fowlers Bay.
ClimateWatch

ClimateWatch is a program that aims to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the seasonal behaviour of Australia's plants and animals by monitoring changes in flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movement. Simply by snapping a photo in your backyard or local area, ClimateWatch gives every Australian the opportunity to get involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Corporate Sustainability

Earthwatch helps businesses understand their environmental impacts, build resilience and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.

Why It Matters

WHAT WE ARE DOING

WHAT YOU CAN DO