Latest news with #SDG13
Scoop
2 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Australia Leads Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings For Fourth Year In A Row
Press Release – The Times Higher Education Universities in Australia are leading the global race towards sustainability, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, released today, reveal. 18 June 2025 Western Sydney University in Australia is number one overall for fourth consecutive year Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation In joint fourth place overall, Australia's University of Tasmania is also the world's top institution in both SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land) Papua New Guinea makes its debut in the ranking in 2025 34 universities from four countries in Oceania ranked (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea) Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third globally and top in Asia Indonesia's Universitas Airlangga is top institution from an emerging economy, in joint ninth place Universities ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each SDG Record 2,526 universities ranked globally from 130 countries/territories The only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Universities in Australia are leading the global race towards sustainability, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, released today, reveal. Western Sydney University tops the overall table for the fourth consecutive year, while Griffth University and the University of Tasmania are tied in fourth place globally. Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation. However, one Australian university has fallen out of this elite group (UNSW Sydney), as Asian universities make rapid advances in sustainability. While the University of Tasmania's overall rank has also dropped slightly amid intensifying global competition, the institution is number one in the world in two of the individual SDG rankings: SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land). Across the 18 rankings, which are released this week at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, there are 34 universities ranked from Oceania, from four countries (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea). Manchester University in the United Kingdom retains second place in the overall ranking and Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third overall and number one in Asia. The University Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Universities are ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each individual SDG. This year a record 2,526 universities from 130 countries/territories are ranked. This year's rankings are released 10 years after the creation of the SDGs and amid scepticism that the goals will be met by the target year of 2030. However, the data show that universities are highly focused on delivering on the sustainability agenda and demonstrating public impact. Phil Baty, THE's chief global affairs officer, said: 'The THE Impact Rankings are the world's only rankings to explore universities' contribution to each and every one of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, across the full range of their activities: teaching, research, outreach and stewardship. And this comprehensive analysis clearly shows that universities worldwide are stepping up to help the world take on its most pressing grand challenges, from the climate crisis to delivering economic growth to supporting peace and justice across the world. This huge piece of research highlights the real-world impact that universities make, and their contribution to the public good. 'Our evidence is clear: universities in Oceania are leading the way on helping the world to a more sustainable future, taking high-ranking positions across a wide range of individual Sustainable Development Goals, and leading overall.'
Scoop
2 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Australia Leads Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings For Fourth Year In A Row
18 June 2025 Western Sydney University in Australia is number one overall for fourth consecutive year Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation In joint fourth place overall, Australia's University of Tasmania is also the world's top institution in both SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land) Papua New Guinea makes its debut in the ranking in 2025 34 universities from four countries in Oceania ranked (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea) Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third globally and top in Asia Indonesia's Universitas Airlangga is top institution from an emerging economy, in joint ninth place Universities ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each SDG Record 2,526 universities ranked globally from 130 countries/territories The only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Universities in Australia are leading the global race towards sustainability, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, released today, reveal. Western Sydney University tops the overall table for the fourth consecutive year, while Griffth University and the University of Tasmania are tied in fourth place globally. Australia has more universities in the global top 10 (three) than any other nation. However, one Australian university has fallen out of this elite group (UNSW Sydney), as Asian universities make rapid advances in sustainability. While the University of Tasmania's overall rank has also dropped slightly amid intensifying global competition, the institution is number one in the world in two of the individual SDG rankings: SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land). Across the 18 rankings, which are released this week at the Global Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, there are 34 universities ranked from Oceania, from four countries (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea). Manchester University in the United Kingdom retains second place in the overall ranking and Kyungpook National University in South Korea is third overall and number one in Asia. The University Impact Rankings are the only global performance tables that assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Universities are ranked across 18 tables: one overall ranking and 17 tables representing each individual SDG. This year a record 2,526 universities from 130 countries/territories are ranked. This year's rankings are released 10 years after the creation of the SDGs and amid scepticism that the goals will be met by the target year of 2030. However, the data show that universities are highly focused on delivering on the sustainability agenda and demonstrating public impact. Phil Baty, THE's chief global affairs officer, said: 'The THE Impact Rankings are the world's only rankings to explore universities' contribution to each and every one of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, across the full range of their activities: teaching, research, outreach and stewardship. And this comprehensive analysis clearly shows that universities worldwide are stepping up to help the world take on its most pressing grand challenges, from the climate crisis to delivering economic growth to supporting peace and justice across the world. This huge piece of research highlights the real-world impact that universities make, and their contribution to the public good. 'Our evidence is clear: universities in Oceania are leading the way on helping the world to a more sustainable future, taking high-ranking positions across a wide range of individual Sustainable Development Goals, and leading overall.'
Daily Express
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Kudat coral planting enters record book
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 Text Size: Kudat coral planting enters record book KUDAT: Sabah Parks along with WWF-Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, local communities, enforcement agencies, volunteers, and the private sector, reached a milestone in conservation efforts through the recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for planting 12,000 coral fragments on the seafloor within Tun Mustapha Park (TTM) at Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo) close to Pulau Kalampunian. State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew officiated the Recognition Ceremony in conjunction with the 9th Anniversary of the Gazettement of Tun Mustapha Park at Dewan Tun Mustapha Kudat on Monday. 'Congratulations to the Director of Sabah Parks (Dr Maklarin Lakim) and his team, all collaborative partners and implementing agencies that turned this vision into reality. 'To the local communities – you are the true guardians of the sea. This collaboration strengthens an inclusive and effective conservation network. 'The figure 12,000 (coral fragments) reflects our determination and unity. This activity was accomplished in just four days with the participation of over 500 individuals.' The participants comprised certified divers, non-divers, local communities from Kg Tajau Laut and Simpang Mengayau, and various stakeholders, including tourism players. Advertisement Liew said the mammoth project was made possible through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from various entities, including the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). She asserted that these contributions reflect broad confidence in marine conservation efforts in Sabah and serve as proof that public-private collaboration can drive sustainable environmental restoration initiatives. 'The spirit of togetherness shown by participants – divers, communities, students, and volunteers – is the true backbone of this event's success. This is the 'Unite for the Ocean' spirit we aim to cultivate,' Liew said. From another perspective, the Minister noted that this significant project not only contributes to the implementation of biodiversity policies at the state, national, and global levels but also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Additionally, she said, it reflects Malaysia's commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, especially the '30 by 30' principle. 'My hope is that this initiative does not end as a symbolic event, but is followed through with action plans such as scientific monitoring, community education, and regular reporting so it may serve as a national and global reference,' Liew added. Liew said gazetting of Tun Mustapha Park pioneered the management of marine protected areas in Sabah. Spanning over 898,000 hectares of sea and coastline, it is Malaysia's largest multi-use marine park and one of the most expansive in the region. 'Today, Tun Mustapha Park is home to over 528 species of fish, 250 species of coral, three endangered sea turtle species, dugongs, dolphins, and iconic species such as whale sharks and whales. 'These achievements result from science-based conservation, including marine biological monitoring and coral restoration techniques, underscoring the importance of scientific data in decision-making and evaluating management effectiveness,' Liew pointed out. 'Admittedly, preserving such a vast area is no easy task. The decision to gazette Tun Mustapha Park was based on years of scientific research, including biodiversity mapping, critical habitat analysis, and data-driven zoning. 'This area encompasses more than 50 islands, such as Banggi, Balambangan, Malawali, Tigabu, and Maliangin, with over 80,000 residents living in 53 coastal and island villages.' This initiative (gazettement) requires unwavering dedication, multi-stakeholder coordination, and patience in facing legal challenges, economic pressures, and climate change, Liew added. Acknowledging the equally important role played by villages like Tajau Laut, Marang Parang, Bavang Jamal, and the Banggi Island community, she commended them for having been key contributors to conservation efforts ranging from joint monitoring and coral reef restoration to community-based ecotourism. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the MBR Certificate of Recognition to the Chairman of Sabah Parks, Peter Lintar by MBR official Edwin Yeoh who represented MBR, witnessed by Liew. Also present were Tanjong Kapor Assemblyman Datuk Ben Chong, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Dr Maklarin and Kudat District Officer Charles William Dabbi. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
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Daily Express
26-04-2025
- Climate
- Daily Express
Why SDG13 matters to Sabah Electricity
Published on: Saturday, April 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Apr 26, 2025 By: Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau Text Size: The truth is, we need climate action not as a slogan, but as a survival strategy. Climate change isn't a distant idea anymore. It is here, and it's already reshaping how we live and work. When people talk about climate change, they often picture melting ice caps or rising sea levels in faraway places. But for us at Sabah Electricity, the effects of climate change are not distant or theoretical but they are right here, on our land, impacting our grid, damaging our infrastructure, and threatening our ability to serve the people of Sabah. That's why we take Sustainable Development Goal (SDG13) dedicated to Climate Action seriously. Not because it's trendy, or because we have to, but because we've seen what happens when nature strikes and we aren't prepared. The truth is, we need climate action not as a slogan, but as a survival strategy. Over the past year alone, we've experienced first-hand how natural disasters can paralyze the electricity supply in Sabah. Remember the landslide in Kampung Nabutan? That wasn't just a normal landslide as it occurred right near the 275kV transmission towers that are part of the backbone of our grid. These towers connect the west coast and east coast of Sabah, carrying roughly 200 megawatts of electricity every day. If they had fallen, the entire east coast could have plunged into darkness. That's not just a technical issue but also a disruption to homes, schools, clinics, and factories. That's the real-world consequence of not acting fast enough to protect our infrastructure from the shifting earth beneath our feet. The condition of those towers became very critical. There was no village nearby, no people around to help, just deep forest and unstable soil. And yet, 30 of our Sabah Electricity staff, 30 from TNB, and 20 contractors went deep into those high-risk areas to prevent collapse. They knew the stakes. They knew that for every bolt tightened, every reinforcement made, they were protecting the daily lives of thousands across Sabah. And what about the disaster in Tenom? On 31 October 2022, the Tenom Pangi Hydro Power Station, one of Sabah's key sources of renewable energy was hit by a massive landslide and mud flood. Three turbines were damaged. We lost 66 megawatts of generation capacity overnight. That's clean energy gone. That's a dent in our generation portfolio. That's power we could not deliver to the people. And again, nature didn't wait for us to be ready. It came in full force. These are not rare events anymore. They are becoming more frequent, more intense, and costlier. Toppled electric poles, broken distribution lines, flooded substations. Every time something like this happens, it puts our system under stress. And every time our system is under stress, the people of Sabah feel it, whether it's in the form of a blackout, load shedding, or delayed restoration works. This is why SDG13 matters to us, not as a formality, but as a foundation of power stability and asset protection. Here in this company, we see SDG13 as a lifeline. When we talk about 'green initiatives,' we're not just talking about planting trees or cutting carbon, we're talking about investing in infrastructure that survives, about building systems that bend but don't break, and about planning for a future where power is reliable, even in the face of floods, storms, and landslides. These things are not luxuries, they're necessities. That's why for us, SDG13 Climate Action isn't just about protecting the environment. It's about protecting our assets, our power system, and the lives and livelihoods of the people who count on us every day. It's easy to overlook how much the power grid depends on the land around it staying still and predictable. But the earth is moving, the rains are heavier, the storms are stronger. And Sabah's geography, while beautiful, makes us even more vulnerable. That's why SESB isn't sitting on the side-lines. We're reinforcing our towers, upgrading our monitoring systems, and doing everything we can to build resilience into our grid. But beyond the technical work, we also see the need to shift mindsets—ours, our partners', and the public's. Climate change isn't just the responsibility of scientists and NGOs. It's everyone's problem. And in our case, it's directly linked to whether homes have light, hospitals have power, and industries keep moving. If we want to keep the lights on, we have to care about the earth we're standing on. So yes, Sabah Electricity supports SDG13. Fully. Not because someone told us to, but because we've seen what happens when we don't. The path forward means embracing sustainability in real, practical ways, not only for the environment but for the future of electricity in Sabah.
Irish Post
22-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Irish climate action entrepreneur recognised for driving ‘meaningful social change'
AN Irish entrepreneur is one of nine women to be recognised in an international programme honouring innovators supporting positive climate action. Tracy O'Rourke, the founder and CEO of the Irish climate action impact company Vivid Edge, has been named a 2025 Impact Awardee by the Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI). The prestigious international programme recognises women entrepreneurs "driving meaningful social and environmental change". Based in Dublin, Vivid Edge works in the energy efficiency space by helping organisations transition to low-carbon operations. O'Rourke is the only Irish entrepreneur on the nine-strong list of 2025 awardees. She has been selected in the Preserving the Planet category, which recognises innovations advancing climate action and environmental sustainability. Tracy O'Rourke, Founder and CEO, Vivid Edge (Pic: Rich Davenport/Makmende Media) 'It is a huge honour for me personally, and for the team, that I have been named a 2025 Impact Awardee by the Cartier Women's Initiative,' she said this week. 'It is a privilege to be included among a group of inspiring female entrepreneurs and business leaders who are dedicated to driving social and environmental change around the world through their companies,' she added. O'Rourke's company provides fully funded, turnkey energy upgrades, removing traditional financial and operational barriers for customers. It recently relocated its headquarters from NovaUCD to NexusUCD in Dublin, where it is supported by Enterprise Ireland as a client company. 'At Vivid Edge we are on a mission to make it easy and financially rewarding for large energy users to decarbonise, bringing energy expertise, delivery capability and capital,' Ms O'Rourke explained. 'We enable organisations to act now and pay later, with energy savings funding the change,' she added. 'Our work is making measurable contributions to global climate goals, specifically the UN SDG 13: Climate Action. 'We are proud to be delivering measurable impact that contributes to a better future for people and the planet.' India-based Kristin Kagetsu, of Saathi, and Kresse Wesling, of Elvis & Kresse in the UK, have also been named alongside O'Rourke in the Preserving the Planet category. The other two award categories are Improving Lives and Creating Opportunities. The 2025 Impact Awards will be officially presented on May 22, 2025, during Expo 2025 which is taking place in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, where Cartier is hosting the Women's Pavilion. Each of the nine awardees will receive a $100k grant in support of their work.
