Case study: Future Reef partnership and engaging employees around climate change

In late 2005 Rio Tinto Aluminium joined together with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to form the Future Reef partnership. This collaborative research partnership investigates the potential impact ofincreasing levels of carbon dioxide on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. Ocean acidification occurs when increasingly large quantities of carbon dioxide are absorbed into the ocean. 

During 2006, 30 Rio Tinto employees collected baseline data for the research programme by participating in expeditions to The University of Queensland's Heron Island Research Station. 

Participant Steve McMutrie who works as a trade training officer at Boyne Smelters Limited shares his experience as part of the Reef Searchers programme. 

"Being involved with Surf Life Saving and as a keenfisherman, I was interested in taking part in Rio Tinto Aluminium's Reef Searchers programme - and to be honest, a week on Heron Island sounded fantastic!  Let me assure you though, it was no ordinary trip away. 

Our week was spent helping world class scientists on a study aimed at saving Queensland's Great Barrier Reef from the effects of climate change. It was an eye-opener to say the least. It was such a rewarding feeling to be able to help the scientists as they are incredibly passionate about their work - and even more so in teaching us about the reef and its fragility. From collecting coral samples on the reef flat to processing data in the lab, each day I really felt that I was making a difference. 

The important part about having been a Reef Searcher though, is the change it has brought about for my family and me. Our family loves the outdoors and specially the beach. Seeing the effects of our actions on the reef at Heron Island was the real motivator for me to change my ways. My kids are keen recyclers and we are also now progressively installing energy efficient light bulbs in the house. There is more we can do, but it is a good start and every bit counts".