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Futurist outlines climate change alternatives

1 October 2008

Professor Tim Flannery

More than 1000 people packed out BMW Edge at Federation Square to hear scientist, writer and Monash alumnus, Professor Tim Flannery outline his climate change predictions as part of Monash University's 50th Anniversary public lecture series.

Presented in conjunction with the Faculty of Science, the eighth lecture in the series 'A Vision for Australian Sustainability' included discussion on the impact of humans on the natural environment, the consequences these actions are having on environmental systems, and potential solutions to climate change.

Professor Flannery, Australian of the Year in 2007, reviewed historical evidence on climate change saying that if atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to increase at current rates, the resulting climate change would have serious consequences for the environment and for political systems.

He said that failure to act on climate change may eventually force the creation of a global carbon dictatorship to regulate carbon use across all industries and nations, a level of government intrusion he described as very undesirable.

The author of The Future Eaters and The Weather Makers, Professor Flannery canvassed the shut down of coal-burning power stations, Australia’s principal source of electricity, as a way to drastically reduce Australia's carbon emissions.

He also spoke of the important role plants play in undoing the negative effects of air pollution and the possibility of revegetation, especially in tropical regions.

Professor Flannery, chairman of the Copenhagen Climate Council, called for a global climate treaty but endorsed the importance of individual action.

He said the Danish Government would host a UN Summit in Copenhagen in 2009 at which global decision makers would consider a global climate treaty.

After the lecture, Science faculty Dean Professor Rob Norris launched the Faculty of Science Dean's Postgraduate Research Scholarship Scheme that aims to support talented students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) in the faculty.

The scholarships will be offered to students pursuing a HDR after achieving first-class honours.

To support this endowed scholarship visit the Donor website.

A recording of Professor Flannery's lecture can be seen at the 50th Anniversary website.