Human Forced Climate Change and the South Pacific

Human Forced Climate Change and the South Pacific
Principal speaker

Professor Brendan Mackey

Griffith Asia Institute- South Pacific Studies Group

Presented by: Professor Brendan Mackey, Director, Griffith’s Climate Change Response Program

 

About the presentation
Global climate change is now an established scientific fact. Given the long lags in the Earth system, whatever success the international community achieves in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, we are facing climatic disruption for thousands of years. This sobering scenario means that nations, communities and businesses will have no choice but to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of an ever changing climate. However, that adaptation practically depends on how the climate changes at a regional scale and the particularities of local social, economic and political circumstances. For the South Pacific, climate change challenges and adaptation responses will differ between the small island nation states and the Melanesian countries; though, at the same time there are shared problems and opportunities. In this presentation Prof Mackey focusses on (1) some of the regional issues that arise from climate change impacts (security; migration; ocean fisheries) and (2) the role of Australia as a “good neighbour” and responsible development partner.

About the speaker
Professor Brendan Mackey’s research addresses (1) the interactions between climate change, biodiversity and land use, (2) the role of science in policy formulation of environmental regulatory frameworks, and (3) the nexus between climate change responses and sustainable development. He has a special interest in the science and policy of ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation and related public policy issues. He is a member of the international Council for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Brendan serves on various governmental advisory bodies including the science advisory group to the Climate Change Commission. He has written over 100 academic publications including journal articles, books and book chapters.

  • Thursday 23 May 2013
  • N72, Meeting Room -1.18
  • Nathan campus
  • 3.00 – 5.00pm

To RSVP please contact Natasha Vary on (07) 3735 5322 or n.vary@griffith.edu.au by 5.00pm Monday 20 May 2013. A light afternoon tea is provided.
 

Event categories
RSVP

RSVP on or before Monday 20 May 2013 , by email n.vary@griffith.edu.au , or by phone (07) 3735 5322

Event contact details
  • Location Nathan campus, building N72 room -1.18 (Business 2) | Nathan campus
  • Time 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm
  • date Thursday 23 May 2013