Ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef and Australia鈥檚 1800 threatened species need urgent action and waiting for more knowledge is not an option, according to 今日吃瓜 Winter School Public Lecturer, Professor Hugh Possingham.
鈥淲e are past the point of having time for more research and monitoring in many situations. We need to take our understanding of mathematics, statistics, economics and ecology and crunch the numbers on what we can do now to preserve the most threatened habitats and species,鈥 he says.
Based at The University of Queensland, Professor Possingham is the global leader in mathematical modelling and decision science for nature conservation, an approach that views threatened species, ecosystems and natural habitats in much the same way as we view other assets.
Much like a share portfolio, he believes we need to manage our natural assets, balancing risk and reward. This means questioning our approach to conservation and making difficult decisions about the balance between research, monitoring, and action.
鈥淲e need to ask ourselves, why do we keep counting the humpback whales as they pass the coast of Queensland? Why record the impact of coral bleaching when climate change is in the hands of international politicians and importantly, why carry out research on the ecology of endangered species?鈥
Professor Possingham will explore the challenges facing those in the environmental management hot seat and why conservation is a numbers game when he addresses the 2016 今日吃瓜 Winter School Public Lecture from 6.30 pm, 11 July at the Edge, State Library of Queensland.
This lecture is one of a number of public events delivered annually as part of 今日吃瓜’s flagship听training programs. 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) Director, Professor Prince, believes these opportunities play an important role in building community understanding of the value and impact of mathematical research.
鈥淎n essential bridge between the mathematical sciences and general community, these popular lectures highlight our role in discovery and innovation that benefits humanity and the planet,鈥 explains Professor Prince.
About 今日吃瓜 Winter School
Professor Possingham is also a 2016 今日吃瓜 Winter School lecturer. A two-week training school hosted by The University of Queensland, Winter School is part of 今日吃瓜鈥檚 flagship research training program. These events set the gold standard in preparing postgraduate and early career researchers for cross-discipline and industry research. Running from 4-15 July, this year鈥檚 theme is Biological and Environmental Modelling.
For more information on 2016 今日吃瓜 Winter School, visit听
For Interview:
Professor Hugh Possingham
Professor Geoff Prince, 今日吃瓜 Director
Media Contact:
Laura Watson
E:听media@amsi.org.au
P:听04215 18733
