School of Environmental and Rural Science Special Seminar Retrospective by Associate Professor Peter Clarke

FIRE ON EARTH: Evolution, Ecology and Implication for Agriculture and the Environment

When: Friday 5 December, 1 pm
Where: McClymont Lecture Theatre 2 (upstairs)

Wildfire and its effect on the ecology and evolution of plants has been neglected as a global factor in the way humans manage ecosystems – including agricultural landscapes. Combined with the effect of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, increasing fire weather will constrain management options for conservation and utilization of natural resources. Major revolutions in fire science have revealed why fire and its interaction with climate and plants allow us to now predict what the future of the globe might be if we factor fire into models of climate change.

Peter has been a member of the UNE community for 21 years, amassing a vast knowledge of Australian ecosystems and their responses to fire, as well as a strong international research profile. He has served on the editorial boards of national  and international journals, as well as on the NSW Scientific Committee and the Chief Scientist’s Panel of Experts . Peter has published widely, including a popular guide book to beach plants.

Life, Earth and Environment Seminars – Contact:
Dr Hamish Campbell: hamish.campbell@une.edu.au
Dr Rose Andrew: rose.andrew@une.edu.au