Doug Laing - ‘Invasive species in Australia: history, culture and consequences’

Are invasive species or climate change the most costly threat to biodiversity and our broader natural environment? Doug, a former diplomat and now active volunteer with the ANBG and Friends, will reflect on the origins, costs, consequences and future trajectory of past follies.

Abstract

There’s no doubt that climate change is the great existential threat facing us, our economies and natural environments, and indeed the world we know, but if we were to rate the most immediate and, arguably, most costly threat to our biodiversity and broader natural environment is its invasive species, not climate change, that is at the top. The major culprits like rabbits, rats, cats and foxes are all too familiar. However, this talk will delve a little deeper into the subject and reflect on the origins, costs, consequences and future trajectory of past folly.

Biography

Doug is a former diplomat, incurable birdwatcher, education ranger and volunteer guide at the ANBG with an enduring fascination with biogeography and how things in nature connect.

Bookings open 11 April at https://www.trybooking.com/DAIRS