Victoria University to hold Pacific climate change conference

Kiribati President Anote Tong will be among the keynote speakers at Victoria University of Wellington's Pacific climate change conference. Photo / Creative Commons

Victoria University of Wellington will be holding its first Pacific climate change conference from 15 to 17 February 2016, with several major keynote speakers set to attend.

The event is called 'In the Eye of the Storm: Pacific Climate Change Conference', and will play host to decision makers, community representatives, environmental experts and leading academics.

At the top of the list is President Anote Tong from the Republic of Kiribati. He is actively committed to combating climate change, with Kiribati being one of the countries at early risk of falling below sea level as global warming worsens.

Bill McKibben - author, scholar and founder of international climate change group 350.org - will be delivering a presentation via video link.

Also speaking at the event is Professor William Steffen, executive director of the Australian National University's Climate Change Institute, American science journalist and author Chris Mooney, and indigenous rights and environmental lawyer Dayle Takitimu.

Victoria University's own climate scientists Professor James Renwick and Dr Tim Naish welcome the conference, and have long awaited such an event focussing on climate change in the Pacific.

"The Pacific is the eye of the climate change storm, and we're already experiencing rapid sea level rise, tropical cyclones, acidifying oceans and a plethora of environmental issues that threaten livelihoods and homelands," says Dr Renwick.

Victoria University Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban is proud Victoria University is hosting the conference.

"We, in the Pacific, are already seeing the impacts of climate change on our communities. Without action, our environment, economies and social wellbeing will only continue to suffer. This conference is about joining together as a region and taking action that will strengthen us and bring meaningful change."

Register to attend before 31 December for an early bird online discount.

In the Eye of the Storm: Pacific Climate Change Conference 2016
15-17 February, 2016
Victoria University of Wellington
Government Buildings
55 Lambton Quay
Wellington

More information at www.victoria.ac.nz/pacific-conference

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