Is proof overrated? October Wheeler Centre debate

T

he concept of scientific proof is an important one in a rational society, but what does ‘proof’ really mean and how does it inform public policy in practice?

Policy-makers often cite research as proof on contested issues. But whether or not overwhelming evidence necessarily leads to evidence-based policy is another question. Is proof overrated? How does Australian society use research to inform its decisions?

'Is Proof Overrated?' is being staged in partnership with the Wheeler Centre and University of Melbourne Research Institutes, and explores how proof is used by society to make decisions and the role that research plays in informing public policy in practice.

The panellists are Professor Peter Doherty, Associate Professor Megan Munsie, Dr Ranjana Srivastava, Professor Kate Auty, and Dr Sara Bice, who between them have a wealth of experience in both policy-making and research.

They and host Sally Warhaft will have a spirited debate about the role of research in the choices we make about everything from energy technologies, social equity, and environmental policies to our use of medical breakthroughs and new communication technologies.

Considering our response to 'Becoming Seven Billion'

The next gathering Beneath the Wisteria will see a focus on population and this Big Idea program from the ABC about “Becoming Seven Billion” seems both relevant and timely.
With the world's seven billionth person born recently, can we learn from the Asian megacity experience?

As the population debate gets mental, we're going in search of the soul in urban sprawl.

High density living is great for the environment, right? But what does it do to our heads and hearts? The Australian psyche was moulded by the myth of the wide brown land, so what might life packed like sardines be like? Will we still be sharing a cup of sugar with our neighbours?

When the world's seven billionth person was born on October 31st last year, ABC Radio National commemorated the occasion by convening a population debate between pro-growth Vs sustainable-growth proponents at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne.

“BecomingSeven Billion” was hosted by ABC Radio National producer, Natasha Mitchell; and featuring the Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Melbourne, Kim Dovey; and representing Interact Australia, Helen Killmier; trend forecaster and author, Bernard Salt; and the founder of Green World City, Sein-Way Tan.

Wheeler Centre discussion about environment and sustainability

Melbourne’s Wheeler Centre recently hosted a series of events at which various guests discussed Ideas for Melbourne and one saw a conversation about “Environment and Sustainability”.

The session about Melbourne’s environment and its sustainability saw a conversation involving the Environment Victoria CEO, Kelly O’Shanassy, and the Policy Challenges Resource Manager with the Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab (VEIL), Kirsten Larsen.

Chairing the discussion was The Age's environment editor, Adam Morton, who reports on climate science, carbon pricing, international climate politics and other local and global environment issues.

Kirsten Larsen, through VEIL, seeks to identify and promote emerging technical, social and organisational innovations that could form part of future sustainable systems.

Environment Victoria is Victoria's leading, independent environment group working to safeguard the state’s environment and its future.

David's back on his 'soapbox'

David Holmgren - he
 will be in his "Soapbox"
on February 16.

David Holmgren was instrumental in helping the world understand permaculture and on February 16 he will be on his ‘soapbox’ again, this time talking about “Retrofitting the Suburbs for Sustainability”.

Holmgren, an environmental design consultant, author, teacher and public speaker with an international reputation as a leading sustainability thinker, will be one of those involved with the Wheeler Centre’s “Lunchbox/Soapbox” sessions.

He will be at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne’s Little Lonsdale St and more details about the session are available here.