Australia and the Pacific Islands: Solidarity in a time of climate crisis

Opportunities to build climate change resilience and preparedness in the Pacific Islands and Australia provoked lively discussion at the first public lecture for 2025 in the popular Science at Melbourne series on 2 April.

University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley moderated the panel discussion, which explored how scientists can help frontline communities prepare for climate change impacts including rising sea levels.

From L-R: Professor Jon Barnett, Professor Celia McMichael, Ms Dorothy Foliaki, Professor Moira O'Bryan, Te'o Lau Dr Viliamu Iese and Professor Michael Wesley.

Panellists Professor Jon Barnett, Co-director of the Oceania Institute, Professor Celia McMichael, Head of School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Te’o Lau Dr Viliamu Iese, and Ms Dorothy Foliaki spoke about their experiences in the Pacific Islands, and how they are developing actionable steps for all people to better prepare for, and adapt to, climate change.

The full event recording is below.