Tim Flannery

Wherever you are in Australia – whether it’s warm or cold, overcast or painfully bright – you are exposed to more sunlight than anywhere else in the world. There is no doubt that this is Australia’s biggest potential resource. The problem? We haven’t really had the technology to harness it as a primary energy source. Until now.

In his latest book, Sunlight and Seaweed, acclaimed climate scientist and author Tim Flannery opens our eyes to some heartening technological breakthroughs. Like how ‘intense heat energy’ use and storage may overcome the thorny issue of producing electricity on overcast days. And how – with temperatures set to rise at alarming rates and carbon removal becoming as important as carbon reduction – a tasty, ribbon-like seaweed may just be the banner of our collective salvation.

Join Tim Flannery for a climate change discussion that offers more than a little ray of hope, hosted by Hilary Harper.

In her new book on anaesthesia, journalist Kate Cole-Adams looks at the facts, and explores the enigma of this mysterious medical practice –  interweaving scientific and historical research with personal experience to present a haunting meditation on memory, paralysis and consciousness.

Kate Cole-Adams, Tim McCulloch and Benjamin Law at Belvoir Theatre — Photo: Emily Harms

How common is it for patients to ‘wake up’ during surgery? Is pain still pain if you can’t feel it? And what do we know about consciousness, anyway? In the first of a new series at Sydney's Belvoir Theatre, Cole-Adams broaches these questions and more in a fascinating discussion with anaesthetist Tim McCulloch and host Benjamin Law – opened with a performance from Belvoir's artistic director Eamon Flack.

Presented in partnership with Sydney Writers’ Festival and Belvoir.

Antarctica holds valuable clues to understanding the future of our planet – especially regarding the implications of climate change. It is also a continent unwilling to give up those secrets readily.

There are few as cognisant of both truths as earth scientist Chris Turney. In 2013, a century after Douglas Mawson’s pioneering scientific expedition across the continent, Turney led a follow-up journey, with a view to recording how Antarctica’s climate had changed over the intervening years. Less than a month after setting sail, the boat was trapped in ice, along with its crew and 52 passengers – including Turney and his immediate family. The costly rescue mission garnered international headlines, and ignited a debate about what constitutes acceptable risk in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

Join Professor Turney as he explores the past, present and future of Antarctica – a continent that acutely bears the impacts of our changing climate – and relives the expedition that inadvertently sent him following the fateful path of Ernest Shackleton, one of Antarctica’s unluckiest adventurers.

Note: Krystal Evans was to host this talk, but wasn't able to attend due to a personal matter. Amita Kirpalani, project producer at the Wheeler Centre, hosted in her place.

Amita Kirpalani and Chris Turney — Photo: Jon Tjhia