Curtin Insight

Mitigating climate change through environmental conservation

By Dr Tay Ai Chen

It is widely agreed that climate change is a global issue that needs international agreement and collaboration to address its impacts. Much of it is due to rapid urbanisation and growth of human population. While exploitation of natural resources and deforestation are unavoidable as poorer countries industrialise for greater economic prosperity, it is nevertheless necessary to investigate how the environment can be protected, and at the same time provide social and economic benefits. In other words, how can environmental conservation be made effective to support sustainable development and the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).