Mr Justin Murphy
An opportunity to hear some of the region’s leading environmental experts has attracted record numbers to a symposium at Charles Darwin University yesterday (Thursday).
The two-day symposium — Prepare for Impact! When people and the environment collide in the tropics — has drawn together leading tropical environmental researchers and academics from CDU’s own faculties, along with experts from interstate and overseas.
Visiting speaker, Associate Professor Simon Tay from the Institute of International Affairs in Singapore, said he was delighted to be part of the Charles Darwin Symposium as it presented a diverse range of ideas and perspectives.
“If we are to move forward on these important environmental issues we need that broad perspective,” Associate Professor Simon Tay said.
Climate change expert, Professor Will Steffen from the Australian National University, said he was excited to be part of the Symposium as it really lifted the lid on issues of global importance.
“The Northern Territory is a place where many of the issues surrounding sustainability are very urgent. It’s where the rubber meets the road,” Professor Steffen said.
Speakers on the first day of the Charles Darwin Symposium addressed a range of environmental issues, from climate change and the decline in tropical forests to the future direction of social and economic policy.
Symposium co-convener Professor Bruce Campbell said the forum has been a real success, attracting more than 250 registrations.
“The high level of interest and participation is a clear indication of the importance of these issues to people from all walks of life, including industry sectors and government agencies, community groups and the general public,” he said.
“CDU has an important role to play in raising the level of debate on important global issues and to provide a forum where the wider community can share the expertise and research findings of the region’s leading environmental experts.”
The Symposium continues today (Friday 12 May) and copies of presentations can be downloaded from the Symposium website.