Ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s 1800 threatened species need urgent action and waiting for more knowledge is not an option, according to AMSI Winter School Public Lecturer, Professor Hugh Possingham.
“We 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,” 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.
“We 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?”
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 AMSI 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 AMSI’s flagship training programs. Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) Director, Professor Prince, believes these opportunities play an important role in building community understanding of the value and impact of mathematical research.
“An 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,” explains Professor Prince.
About AMSI Winter School
Professor Possingham is also a 2016 AMSI Winter School lecturer. A two-week training school hosted by The University of Queensland, Winter School is part of AMSI’s 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’s theme is Biological and Environmental Modelling.
For more information on 2016 AMSI Winter School, visit ws.amsi.org.au
For Interview:
Professor Hugh Possingham
Professor Geoff Prince, AMSI Director
Media Contact:
Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
P: 04215 18733
