The Climate Cure: The inaugural Talbot Oration
On Thursday 3 June 2021, Professor Tim Flannery outlined his manifesto for humanity’s survival of the “climate emergency” in the Australian Museum’s inaugural Talbot Oration.
I really want to focus on solutions, because solutions is where the power lies – to inspire young people, to change government, to get industry working.
Listen to the speech below
© Australian Museum
In his speech, Professor Flannery made the case for using Australia’s proactive and decisive approach to COVID-19 as a model for responding to climate change.
Two weeks before the WHO declared a pandemic, the Australian Government declared a pandemic. It was swift action based on good science that saved us so much.
Professor Flannery spoke about the opportunity for Australia to lead in addressing the climate crisis and implement a prompt, effective, science-led government policy on management – and survival – of the climate threat.
Following the keynote address, Professor Flannery was joined by Professor Veena Sahajwalla and former AM president and sustainability adviser Sam Mostyn AO to discuss solutions and actions the public can take to help minimise climate change impact.
Professor Tim Flannery
Professor Tim Flannery is an internationally acclaimed scientist, author, explorer and conservationist. In recognition of his work on the Climate Commission and the Climate Council, he was recently awarded the Geddes Environment Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, joining the likes of Greta Thunberg and Sir David Attenborough.
In his new book, The Climate Cure: Solving the Climate Emergency in the Era of COVID-19, Professor Flannery makes the case for using Australia’s approach to COVID-19 as a model for responding to climate change.
In 2019, Professor Flannery re-joined the Australian Museum as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow focussed on researching the impacts of climate change and raising awareness of the issues, especially impacts on biodiversity and our coastal environments.
The Climate Cure: Solving the Climate Emergency in the Era of COVID-19 (Text Publishing, 2020) is available to buy online at the AM Shop.
About The Talbot Oration
Named in honour of former Australian Museum Director Professor Frank Talbot, this annual oration celebrates Talbot’s commitment to, and achievements in marine research and environmental studies in Australia and on the global stage.
The Talbot Oration will showcase advances in the field of climate change research and environmental conservation, enabling the public to better understand how responses to the climate challenge determine our future prospects, health, and the sustainability of our natural environment.
The Climate Cure is a Nights at the Museum special event.
