Spotlight Conversation
Antarctica may seem like a steadfast titan, an ancient icy landscape that lies just beyond Australia’s southern horizon. But the continent’s unchanging nature has been hitting the headlines lately, mostly because it is changing. Rapidly.
How are rising global temperatures affecting Antarctica and, in turn, the rest of the planet? The choices we make now for Antarctica and for ourselves will affect the continent and its unique environment, but the impacts will be felt far and wide.
Join our expert panel for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of the frozen continent in a warming planet.
Guest speakers include Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas from Parks Australia, Rhonda Bartley from the Australian Antarctic Division and Dr Indi Hodgson-Johnson from the University of Tasmania.
Date
Thursday 10 September
Time
6 to 8pm
Location
Gandel Atrium
Tickets
Adult (16+) $15
Concession $12.50
Friends $10
Livestream $7.50
Includes entry in the draw to win a signed copy of the stunning Way Down South book, plus access to the Antarctica exhibition and shop before and after the event.
Live captions and hearing loop available
Meet our expert panel
Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas is Director, Conservation Science at Parks Australia and was previously Principal Research Scientist with CSIRO’s Sustainable Marine Futures Program. With a background in mathematical modelling and Antarctic climate change science, she aims to connect research with decision making on sustainability and climate change adaptation. Jess co-founded the Homeward Bound project for women and non-binary leaders in STEM which, in 2016, took the largest all-female expedition to Antarctica. She was the 2020 Tasmanian Australian of the Year.
Rhonda Bartley is Branch Head of Science at the Australian Antarctic Division. Rhonda has worked across Australian Antarctic policy, environmental management, heritage management and environmental regulation. She has been a member of Australia’s delegation to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and has led representation to the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research and the Asian Forum for Polar Science. Rhonda has visited Antarctica several times and is passionate about sharing Antarctic science with the next generation of Antarctic scientists.
Dr Indi Hodgson-Johnston is a Senior Lecturer in Marine and Antarctic Law and Policy at the University of Tasmania. Her research encompasses the process and procedures of the Antarctic Treaty system’s instruments, territorial and jurisdictional issues, and the broader policy and political issues of the region. She is also Chief Rapporteur at the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting; Senior Deputy Chair of the Tasmanian Polar Network; and is on the board of the Antarctic Science Foundation.
Win a signed copy of Way Down South
By purchasing a ticket for this event, you automatically go in the draw to win a copy of Way Down South from documentary travel photographer Richard I’Anson.
Featuring colour photographs of the wildlife and landscape of Antarctica and the South Polar region, this stunning book includes text from experienced polar adventurers Greg Mortimer OAM and Howard Whelan. It is signed by the author and contributors.
Please ensure your name and email address are provided at time of ticket purchase. If you do not wish to enter the draw, please email programs@nma.gov.au. The competition will be drawn at the event. See competition terms and conditions.
Antarctica exhibition and shop
To complete your evening, visit our Antarctica exhibition and shop, open from 5.45 to 6.30pm and 8 to 8.45pm.
Banner image: Satellite image of Earth from space showing Antarctica (detail) with elements furnished by NASA.