2020-05-04
Dr Sophie Lewis has been appointed as the new Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, the Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability said today.
Mr Rattenbury said Dr Lewis would bring a strong focus on climate change to the position given her research background in this field, and knowledge and love of Canberra.
“Dr Lewis has extensive experience in researching Australia’s changing climate extremes, including as a lead author with the International Climate Change Panel assessment reports that are used worldwide to develop policies around climate change.
“In 2019, Dr Lewis was the ACT Scientist of the Year in recognition of her research, particularly her research on climate extremes and their specific relevance to Canberra.
“She also has a long history with Canberra and a love of the Canberra environment, which she is keen to bring to her conversations with the public, community groups, academic institutions and government.
“I warmly welcome Dr Lewis, noting the unusual COVID-19 period in which she is starting the role.
“I would also like to thank the interim Commissioner, Dr Margaret Kitchin, for her contribution to the position over the last several months to initiate and progress important work,” Mr Rattenbury said.
The Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment is responsible for preparing State of the Environment reports, conducting investigations into environment-related matters, advocating for the environment and raising environmental awareness.
Quotes attributable to the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Sophie Lewis:
“I am looking forward to working with the community and the government to continue to build on the territory’s success in addressing climate change and protecting the environment.
“The ACT is already a world leader in addressing climate change in particular, but there is still a lot to be done to address the challenges and vulnerabilities around our environment and sustainability, and I’m keen to be involved through the Commissioner position.
“As we have seen with our recent extreme heat, drought and fires, climate change is a huge challenge now and for our future as it will continue to impact on our environment at local, national and international levels.
“I’m particularly committed to using my role to promote the involvement of children in our environment and in finding solutions to some of our challenges.
“During the COVID-19 health emergency we are seeing many more children in our parks and reserves. Let’s build on this to connect our children with our beautiful environment—and their local community—to engender a love and stewardship of nature, noting many of our reserves are home to endangered species.
“There is also much we can do to help children understand climate change and to involve them in taking the essential action we need to achieve zero-net emissions and have the best possible chance to preserve our environment and their future.”
Dr Lewis will be available for media interviews.
Statement ends