Conversations about climate change often lead to feelings of overwhelm and doom. In the face of biodiversity loss and species extinction, the planet’s challenges can feel insurmountable. So where do we start?
According to this year’s Lipson Lecture “Where do we go from here? Oceans, climate and healing,” starting where we began offers the most hope.
The Nature of Things co-host Sarika Cullis-Suzuki has been chosen to give the 2025 Lipson Lecture at the University of Victoria (UVic), where she will discuss how going back to nature and connection with each other is a source of optimism in the midst of climate overwhelm.
“Scientists approach problems from different angles, and the smallest bit of inspiration can spark new ideas and solutions. This year’s Lipson Lecture offers hope in the face of climate overwhelm,” said Laura Cowen, acting dean of UVic’s Faculty of Science.
Trained as a marine biologist, Cullis-Suzuki investigated the effects of noise on fish for her PhD from York University. This built on her University of British Columbia master’s focused on global overfishing, the results for which were presented to the United Nations. She has engaged in research and advocacy worldwide and worked in environmentally themed print, film and audio media for 20 years. She has served on the board of the David Suzuki Foundation, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea and World Wildlife Fund Canada’s Ocean Committee. She has received multiple awards for her work, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The Faculty of Science’s annual Lipson Lecture is a community event that aims to share science in an accessible way. Past speakers have included astronaut Roberta Bondar, author and science journalist Bob McDonald, cave diver Jill Heinerth, and physicist and superhero expert James Kakalios. The lecture series is made possible through a donation from Rob Lipson, former dean of UVic’s Faculty of Science, and his wife, Tammy Lipson.
The Lipson Lecture will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. in the Farquhar Auditorium in the Jamie Cassels Centre, UVic. Visit the UVic Ticket Centre for more information or to purchase tickets for $5.
