Tim Flannery joins RMIT, assists new South Pacific Initiative

ENVIRONMENTALIST, scientist, writer and researcher, Tim Flannery has joined RMIT University in the College of Design and Social Context.

In this capacity, Professor Flannery will play a key role in shaping the future of the RMIT South Pacific Initiative, and run an intensive course on ‘Leadership, Climate Change and the Pacific’. This work will focus on supporting and building resilient communities across the South Pacific, including the development of energy sovereignty, renewables, social cohesion, climate change impact governance, sustainable water, and climate resilient practices and infrastructures.

Prof. Flannery said he was thrilled to work with RMIT’s College of Design and Social Context at a time when RMIT was focusing on ‘regenerative futures’ and also seeking to bring new focus to its work across the South Pacific region.

“I applaud the forward-thinking agenda that RMIT’s College of Design and Social Context is bringing to advance societies across the South Pacific,” Prof. Flannery said. 

“Climate security – indeed all aspects of regional security – comes hand in hand with building capability and reciprocity across the region. RMIT as a dual sector, public-good university is an important contributor to this endeavour.”

Prof. Flannery’s work on human impact on the natural world has reached international audiences. He is well known for his documentaries including Climate Changers (2023), Wild Australasia (2003), The Future Eaters (1998), Bushfire (1997), Islands in the Sky (1992) and his more than 27 books including The Climate Cure (2020), The Eternal Frontier (2001), The Weather Makers (2005) and The Future Eaters (1994).

He has held various positions including as director of the South Australian Museum, as principal research scientist at the Australian Museum, and in academia including as visiting chair in Australian studies at Harvard University.

Prof. Flannery was named Australian of the Year in 2007 and has been chief councillor of the Climate Council since 2013. In 2021, Prof. Flannery was awarded the prestigious Geddes Environment Medal by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society for his work on climate change.

Tim Marshall, deputy vice-chancellor for the Design and Social Context College said Prof. Flannery would bring invaluable expertise and perspective to the university’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and regenerative futures.

“There’s no doubt that Tim is one of Australia’s leading voices on climate action and the unique ecosystems in the South Pacific,” Prof. Marshall said. “It is our great fortune to have Tim join the College of Design and Social Context to work alongside our academic and student community in pursuit of a more just, equitable and regenerative future.

“His extensive knowledge and experience will be instrumental in the creation of our new South Pacific Initiative and RMIT’s collaboration with partners in the region.”

The RMIT South Pacific Initiative activities will span teaching and learning, research, and public engagement, including advocacy and thought leadership. The initiative is expected to deliver intensive-mode courses and mentoring of early and mid-career academics, as well as undertaking partnered research projects, and engaging with our growing numbers of government, community, business and third sector partners on advocacy and advancement.

The initiative has an initial focus on Melanesia, Tonga, Fiji and Papua and will co-design and facilitate capabilities, interventions and strategies across the region.  

RMIT established a memorandum of understanding with the University of French Polynesia in March 2024 for the French Government-funded Nārua project. This partnership has facilitated study tours, research fellow exchanges and collaborative teaching and research initiatives, with additional cooperative opportunities under development.

RMIT’s vision is to be a leading university of impact in the Asia Pacific region, using technology, design and enterprise to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future.

Prof. Flannery will appear in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Hilary Harper at the Capitol on August 29 as part of the Now or Never event. They will explore how to hold onto hope in the face of climate catastrophe – and the transformations humanity must make to move toward a regenerative future.

Presented with the Now or Never festival, the Planetary Civics Inquiry and RMIT University, more information can be found at this link: I Have Seen the Future with Tim Flannery.

www.rmit.edu.au

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