Lecture series forecasts our future

Lecture series forecasts our future

Predictions about the changes that Aotearoa/New Zealand is likely to encounter in the next dozen years is the topic of the 2018 Winter Lecture Series, taking place at the University of Auckland through July and August.

Aotearoa in 2030 is the theme of the six-lecture series, presented by local and international experts, which delves into the pressing social and environmental challenges the country faces.

The Faculty of Science Sustainability Network has put together a weekly series which traverses topics from conservation to urban change. Professor Quentin Atkinson says “the series is about getting people to think beyond today’s headlines or the next election cycle and ask what we can hope for in the New Zealand of 2030.”

Speakers include an Earth system scientist who specialises in integrating indigenous knowledge and science, a Professor of Green Chemistry, a social anthropologist who specialises in water and indigenous rights, ecologists, conservation biologists, psychologists and philosophers, to name a few.

The series begins on 18 July with Senior Lecturers Danny Osborne and Matheson Russell addressing the topic of Our Civil Society in 2030, and contemplating whether our nation will face spiralling polarisation or democratic renewal.

Other lectures include:

• 25 July - New Zealand Conservation in 2030: Predator free and thinking about the trees.
Senior Lecturer Cate Macinnis-Ng, Biological Sciences: Plant conservation in Aotearoa.
Associate Professor James Russell, Biological Sciences/Statistics: Animal conservation in Aotearoa.

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• 1 August – Our Rivers in 2030.
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Professor Gillian Lewis, Biological Sciences: Rivers flow in space and time: Governance for people is governance for ecosystems
Senior Research Fellow Marama Muru-Lanning: Return to the River: In Search of Te Mana o te Wai

• 8 August – Green Chemistry in 2030.
Terry Collins, Teresa Heinz Professor of Green Chemistry and Director, Institute for Green Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA: Learning how to love the future through green science.

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• 15 August – Our Oceans in 2030.
Sue Miller-Taei, Executive Director, NZ and Pacific Islands Ocean Programme, Conservation International: Pacific Islands lead the world in creating very large marine protected areas.
Senior Lecturer Dan Hikuroa, Māori Studies: Incorporating mātauranga Māori leads to healthier environments rich in natural diversity.
Professor Mark Costello, Institute of Marine Sciences: New Zealand can lead the world in ocean management that benefits nature and society.

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• 22 August – Liveable Cities in 2030: Pathways to active, inclusive cities in 2030.
Professor Robin Kearns, School of Environment: Creating cities for children.
Senior Lecturer Alex Macmillan, Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago: A healthy transport future requires an ordinary revolution.

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Atkinson says “this exciting line-up of speakers with diverse perspectives from across the sciences is guaranteed to get people thinking about where we’re heading and where we want to go.”

The free lecture series runs on consecutive Wednesdays at 12.30-1.30pm, starting Wednesday 18 July and ending Wednesday 22 August.

2018 Winter Lecture Series: Aotearoa in 2030
12.30-1.30pm
18 July – 22 August
Lecture Theatre 342
Building 423 (Conference Centre)
22 Symonds Street
Auckland.

ends

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