Our House Is on Fire: How Universities Can Become Advocates for Climate Action

Dr Tanya Fiedler in conversation with Professor Michael Mann and Professor Christopher Wright. In the wake of the catastrophic bushfires that have devastated Australia this summer, a growing groundswell of the population are demanding greater action on climate change and the rapid decarbonisation of our economy. And yet, business as usual goes on, leading many to feel powerless in the face of this existential juggernaut. So, what can we do? What are the ways in which we – as academics, researchers, educators, administrators and managers – can engage our respective communities to bring about change? How can we, as non-climate scientists, employ the personal and professional skills at our disposal to become agents of change? For more information about this event click here.Timestamps 00:00 Introductions and Welcome to Country 06:13 Michael Mann’s Experience of Australia’s Extreme Summer 13:16 Business School’s Relationship with Climate Change – Christopher Wright 17:00 What Space is Most Powerful for Advocacy? 25:00 Mainstreaming of Climate Change 27:45 Media’s Influence in the Climate Debate 35:00 How Can We Influence that Debate? 37:23 Investment in Renewable Energy 44:40 Framing Conversations Around Climate Change 48:50 How to Attitudes in the Construction Industry? 52:44 The Power of Litigation in Moving the Climate Conversation 57:46 Offshoring of Emissions and Accountability of Big Businesses 1:02:50 Were the bushfires the tipping point we needed? 1:06:28 Role of Universities as Advocates for Change 1:08:07 Do Deadlines Restrict Climate Action? 1:13:26 How Can We Support Difficult but Necessary Transitions? 1:20:15 Carbon Off-sets and Do They Work? Speakers Dr Tanya Fiedler (Chair), University of Sydney Dr Michael Mann, Pennsylvania State University Prof Christopher Wright, University of Sydney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.