August 16, 2016

Fight against climate change demands urgent action

Acclaimed scientist, conservationist, and global warming activist Professor Tim Flannery to give free public lecture in Wollongong

Internationally renowned scientist and environmentalist Professor Tim Flannery will discuss the threat of climate change and the challenges it will pose for Australia in the coming decades at this year’s Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture at the University of Wollongong (UOW) on Friday, 19 August.

Guest speaker Professor Flannery, the Chief Councillor of the independent Climate Commission, will address the topic of ‘Climate Change: The Challenge Out To 2050’ during the annual event.

The Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture, now in its 24th year, honours the late Allan Sefton, who as a naturalist and conservationist made a significant contribution to the Illawarra community and environment.

Each year, a distinguished Australian scientist who has an interest in environmental issues presents the lecture.

In his lecture, hosted by UOW’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Professor Flannery will explore how we can turn carbon from a problem into a solution through third-way technologies.

“Pollution of the atmosphere with greenhouses gases is driving fast changes to ecosystems,” Professor Flannery said. “Coral reefs and other tropical marine habitats are particularly sensitive and are reaching the limits of their ability to cope.

“Urgent and large scale action is required if we are to avert severe impacts. Over the next several decades combating climate change will require very different actions and technologies from those used to date.”

Professor Flannery has been outspoken on the subjects of climate change and environmental concerns.

He has published over 140 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has named 25 living and 50 fossil mammal species.

His 32 books include the award winning The Future Eaters, and The Weather Makers, which has been translated into over 20 languages.

Professor Flannery, who was named Australian Of The Year in 2007, has held numerous academic positions in Australia and internationally, including Visiting Chair in Australian Studies at Harvard University’s Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, and Director of Adelaide’s South Australian Museum.

The first Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture was held in 1993.

Allan was passionate about local flora and fauna, and ensuring natural resources were properly cared for and managed.

A former employee of BlueScope Steelworks, he also was recognised for his contribution to environmental science in 1989 by UOW with an honorary doctorate, but passed away a few days before it was awarded.

The event coincides with National Science Week, which runs from 13-21 August.

The Allan Sefton Lecture is free and open to the public and will precede the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences Student Prize Night (from 6.30pm), which will recognise gifted undergraduate students, industry partners, and members of the community.