Top geological researcher Dr Colin Summerhayes visits the ARC
A leading geologist and Antarctic climate researcher from the University of Cambridge will deliver two free public lectures this week.
Dr Colin Summerhayes, Emeritus Associate at the Scott Polar Research Institute and a Victoria alumnus, will shed light on two key issues of climate change during his visit to Wellington.
In his first lecture, Dr Summerhayes examined the changes in the Earth’s temperature, based on findings in his latest book Earth’s Climate Evolution.
He discussed how changes in CO2 levels—like those of today—can cause temperature changes. He gave evidence from samples of sediment and ice that demonstrate periods of warming or cooling, and highlighted the need for mankind to be cautious about putting more CO2 into the atmosphere.
Dr Summerhayes’ second talk today will examine the evidence showing that Earth has entered a new geological epoch called the ‘Anthropocene’.
The research, co-authored by Dr Summerhayes and published in international journal Science last week, explores how human impact on Earth has fundamentally changed the planet’s geological make-up.
He will outline the ground breaking study, which demonstrates how accelerating technology and growth in population and consumption from the 1950s onwards builds a strong case for the new epoch to be formally declared.
Dr Colin Summerhayes
Colin Summerhayes is an Emeritus Associate of the Scott Polar Research Institute of Cambridge University. He graduated with a Master of Science from Victoria University of Wellington in 1967, before completing his doctorate at the Imperial College in London. He has carried out research on past climate change in both academia and industry and co-edited several books. Dr Summerhayes has managed research programmes on climate change for the United Kingdom’s Natural Environment Research Council, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, and the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research of the International Council for Science.
Lecture one: Earth's Climate Evolution
When: Thursday 14 January, 7.30pm
Where: Government Buildings, Lecture Theatre 1, Pipitea Campus, Victoria University of Wellington
Lecture two: The Anthropocene—A New Geological Epoch Driven by Human Impacts
When: Friday 15 January, 4pm
Where: Cotton Building, Seminar Room CO304, Victoria University, Gate 7, Kelburn Parade
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Cliff Atkins on 04-463 6143 or cliff.atkins@vuw.ac.nz.