Green infrastructure: a solution to coastal erosion
Who Anna P., PLC Sydney, NSW
What In her short film Green Infrastructure: The Solution to Coastal Erosion, Anna uses humour and graphics to explain the phenomenon of coastal erosion and its causes in an accessible and entertaining way. She also highlights how green solutions such as vegetation and natural barriers can be used to protect homes and assets.
Winner of the 2023 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Primary
In her short film Green Infrastructure: The Solution to Coastal Erosion, Anna uses humour and graphics to explain the phenomenon of coastal erosion and its causes in an accessible and entertaining way.
Image: Supplied© Australian Museum
Congratulations on being awarded a Eureka Prize! What were you thinking as you made your way to the stage?
I was very surprised and shocked but happy, trying to take it all in.
You explore green infrastructure as a way of avoiding and controlling coastal erosion. What was the most interesting thing you learned about this practice?
I learned how much of a problem coastal erosion is not only in Australia but all over the world, and how there are simple eco-friendly ways to avoid this destructive problem. I also learned about solutions that have already been put in place on the coast of NSW and the new seawalls that are going to be built.
Your film is filled with interesting effects and demonstrations. Which was your favourite to create?
My favourite one to create was the very first scene where there are two of me. I had to learn how to use a greenscreen, and it was fun recording the scene where I’m talking and listening to my other self.
What did you enjoy most about making your film?
I enjoyed doing the experiment in the middle of the film as it was fun to make the house and create waves that took away the sandy ‘shore,’ making it fall. I also enjoyed putting together the beginning scene of the film as I got to see two of myself at once.
Anna accepts her Eureka Prize from the University of Sydney’s Professor Marcel Dinger (left) and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (right).
Image: Mel Koutchavlis© Australian Museum
What did you find most challenging?
The most challenging part was putting all the clips and videos together into one main film. This took lots of editing, cropping and fixing. I also had to keep track of time, so it didn’t go over two minutes as I added all the information.
Sponsored by the University of Sydney, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize encourages students to communicate a scientific concept in a short film. It is intended to support budding young scientists across the nation, who will be our future leaders in research, discovery and communication.
