201: Patricia Lee on Embedding Sustainability in Higher Education

Global environmental change begins with a university that thoroughly understands sustainability. In this episode of A Climate Change, we speak with Patricia Lee, Sustainability Project Officer at Griffith University in Australia. Patricia shares how Griffith became a global leader in sustainability through cross-campus collaboration, Indigenous knowledge integration, and a deep commitment to education. From waste management to climate action plans, Patricia highlights the power of embedding sustainability into institutional culture and values, and the role of education in shaping a more just and resilient future. Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@aclimatechange/?sub_confirmation=1 Patricia Lee Bio: Patricia serves as the Sustainability Project Officer at Griffith University in Australia, where she specializes in implementing comprehensive sustainability initiatives across academic and operational sectors. With a background in environmental education and sustainability, she has played a pivotal role in helping Griffith University achieve remarkable recognition as the #2 nationally and #4 globally in sustainability rankings. Patricia brings valuable international perspective to sustainability education, having transitioned from Mexico to Australia through a scholarship program before joining Griffith's sustainability team. In her role, Patricia coordinates projects that deliver on Griffith's sustainable strategy, focusing on embedding sustainability principles throughout the university's curriculum, culture, and operations. Her work spans multiple disciplines, from academic engagement to operational initiatives, contributing to Griffith's ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2029. Under her leadership, the university has developed innovative programs like "Yarning for Sustainability," which integrates indigenous knowledge with modern sustainability practices, and has established a thriving sustainability community of practice with over 100 members. Episode Resources

• Patricia Lee on LinkedIn
• Matt Matern on LinkedIn
• A Climate Change on Apple
• A Climate Change on Spotify
• A Climate Change on YouTube

More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives. More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future. Curated List of Episodes If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you:

• Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link]
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