To celebrate World Environment Day (5 June), Dr Peter Burnett shares his research into ecologically sustainable development and looks back on his 'full-circle' experience at the ANU College of Law. Dr Burnett formerly held senior leadership positions in the Federal Department of Environment, where he worked on a diverse range of policy and regulatory issues including development of national pollution standards. Determined to explore deep policy questions in academia, Dr Burnett undertook his PhD at the ANU College of Law where, decades earlier, he completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees. Now an Honorary Associate Professor, Dr Burnett continues to contribute to environmental public policy and develop solutions to pressing problems.