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Sustainability innovators: Agents of change on the Sunshine Coast
Author: Dana C Thomsen

Documenting the stories of ten people from the Sunshine Coast, who according to their peers and colleagues have dedicated considerable time towards sustainability, Dr Dana Thomsen, Lecturer in Sustainability Advocacy at the University of the Sunshine Coast acknowledges their dedication and leadership in her new book Sustainability innovators: Agents of change on the Sunshine Coast .

As Dr Thomsen writes in her overview:

“By choosing people that were widely recognised throughout the region, I hoped to involve people that were not only enacting sustainability within their own lives, but those that were also effective at encouraging others and notable on a regional scale. Almost immediately I had over 50 nominations - a testament to the significant number of people committed to sustainability on the Sunshine Coast.”

Bill Carter, Associate Professor for Heritage Resource Management at the University of the Sunshine Coast wrote, in a review of the book: “Their stories are not without frustration, but all reflect a positive outlook and faith in the human condition to respond to the sustainability challenge. Their insights will inform anyone who feels that more can be done, and highlights that the efforts of the individual can make a difference.”

Asked what motivated her to write the book, Dr Thomsen replied:

“I was motivated to write the book to provide a tangible and local source of inspiration for achieving sustainability. Talking candidly about their lives, each chapter presents an honest and engaging account of the struggles, successes and philosophies of individuals committed to achieving sustainability across the Sunshine Coast.

“All participants have an infectious enthusiasm for the Australian landscape and its people. Yet, each story is unique and reveals a diversity of backgrounds and approaches towards the common goal of sustainability. What stands out in these stories is the commitment to learning with others and through experience, the importance of building on individual capabilities, and the commitment to collective action.”

Quote from the book

“Media coverage of climate change has raised awareness of human-environmental interactions on a scale not seen in recent times where the general trend has been an ever-increasing disconnection with our natural surroundings. Certainly, human-induced climate change is an issue that threatens all that we have grown accustomed too and all that sustains us. Moreover, climate change is just one symptom of unsustainable human behaviours - over-consumption, pollution, deforestation, genetic engineering, and social inequality are just some examples of other related and pressing issues caused by inappropriate human activity.”

Featured local innovators include:
Ian Christesen (Sunshine Coast Environment Council), Sonya Wallace (Sunshine Coast Energy Action Centre), Phillip Moran (Noosa and District Landcare), Sandy McBride (Queensland Environmentally Sustainable Schools Initiative and the Maroochy Catchment Centre), Jo Turner (Eco-Design and Education Consultant), Cr Keryn Jones (Sunshine Coast Regional Council), Cr Vivien Griffin (Sunshine Coast Regional Council), Susie Chapman (SEQ Catchments Ltd), Justin Holbrook (Sustainable Urban Development and Technology), and Bob Cameron from Rockcote Enterprises Pty Ltd.

Published by: Post Pressed
Distributed by: eContent management

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