Tackling Global Challenges with Innovative Science, an evening with The Nature Conservancy Chief Scientist, Dr. Hugh Possingham
Join us to hear Dr. Hugh Possingham discuss the innovative science and conservation mechanisms used by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) around the globe. TNC’s leadership in conservation includes the science behind:
- Valuing natural infrastructure
- Choosing the best sites to protect
- Enabling development that also allows nature to thrive
- Determining the impact of urban trees on mental and human health
TNC explores new economic instruments that help to deliver outcomes for nature and people, including:
- Insurance for natural infrastructure, e.g. coral reefs
- Incentive schemes to change behaviour for agricultural practices
- Payment schemes for migratory birds
- Debt conversions
Event starts at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Location: Humanities Lecture Hall, 206
Tickets: $10 non-student; $5 student
As The Nature Conservancy’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Hugh Possingham leads the work of more than 500 scientists engaged in conservation around the world. A Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Science, Dr. Possingham’s groundbreaking research comprises more than 600 peer-reviewed papers including over 30 in Science, Nature and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. His team’s Marxan software initially assisted Australia’s rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is now used in more than 150 countries to support the design of marine and terrestrial reserves. He led a group of more than 400 ecologists and wildlife scientists in petitioning the Australian government to stop the destruction of native woodlands, especially in Queensland. As a member of many advisory committees and boards, Dr. Possingham has been a leading voice in providing independent advice to the Australian government and the public about environmental issues. He has also birded in some of the world’s most amazing places.
Parking: parking available at UCSC Lots 109 and 110 (see map: https://taps.ucsc.edu/pdf/parking-map.pdf). Parking attendants will sell permits for $5 in lots 109 and 110 between 6-8pm.
