From little things big things grow: Practical and sustainable pathways to human community coexistence with wildfires

There is a global wildfire crisis. Extreme wildfire events, such as the 2019-20 fires, have multiple adverse environmental impacts, including unexcepted and remarkable effects on the Earth System. Reducing the risk of extreme wildfires, and adapting to them, is a huge transdisciplinary global challenge. I introduce a research program I am leading that seeks to find practical and sustainable pathways for people to coexist with wildfires in the Anthropocene, with a focus on Hobart one of the most wildfire-vulnerable cities on Earth.

Professor David Bowman is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and the Director of the transdisciplinary Fire Centre at the University of Tasmania, where he holds a research chair in Pyrogeography and Fire Science. He is recognised as a thought leader in wildfire science and management publishing influential research in high-impact journals, providing policy advice to government, and serving as an expert media commentor.

Professor Bowman will be interviewed and discussing the topic with Ms Katelyn Doyle. Kate studied Geographical Science at the University of Queensland with a focus on fire and emergency management. Upon completion she was awarded the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland's Keith Smith Prize for 2017. Kate went on to work for the ABC reporting on the weather and natural world. In the last year she has made the move to the Bureau of Meteorology where she continues to talk all things weather. 

When: 13 February 2024

Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM AEST

Location: Zoom Only

Please note: the Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants closer to the event date. This event may be recorded. If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au.