Mass interest in mass extinction

Distinguished Professor Bill Laurance says he’s not surprised by the level of public interest, with registrations continuing after the original 300-seat auditorium had filled.

“Paul is one of the greatest scientific thinkers of the past 50 years, with insights ranging from evolutionary theory to the fate of humanity,” Professor Laurance said.

“He’s best known for his sometimes controversial views on human population growth, but he’s also incredibly knowledgeable about the global environment, climate change, rainforests and the modern extinction crisis.”

Professor Laurance said those watching the lecture via video in the second auditorium would still enjoy a thought-provoking evening.

“Paul is hands-down one of the best public speakers you will ever hear,” he said.  “He is funny and fearless and pulls no punches.  You'll either love him or hate him but you certainly won’t forget him!”

Professor Ehrlich is President of the Centre for Conservation Biology at Stanford University in California and the Bing Professor of Population Studies.

He rose to prominence in the late 1960s with The Population Bomb, co-written with his wife Anne Ehrilch. More recently he has published Killing the Koala and Poisoning the Prairie, co-written with ecologist Corey Bradshaw.

Professor Ehrlich’s public lecture is titled The present mass extinction: How do the tropics fit?

The lecture will be presented at the Crowther Theatre at JCU in Smithfield, on Thursday 10 November. Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm and the presentation will begin at 6.30pm. Admission is free and all are welcome.

To register, please go to alumni.jcu.edu.au/SASITTCns