Message from the Minster
The Alfred Deakin Eco-Innovation Lectures seek to drive debate about Australia’s future, inspired and led by some of the world’s most influential thinkers and innovators. In 2009 the Deakin Lectures focus on seizing opportunities from addressing climate change - a contemporary key driver for innovation in our state and across the world.
About Deakins 09
2009 is a critical year for action on climate change. As the global community focuses on negotiating targets and international agreements, the Victorian community will become increasingly concerned with defining appropriate responses to this significant challenge. Businesses and governments face the inescapable reality that climate change requires urgent action, that carbon emissions must be reduced rapidly and that building the low-carbon economy must start now. Incremental improvement in the existing economy will not be sufficient. A sustainable future depends on harnessing the spirit of creativity and innovation to realign our economy; to reinvent systems of production, goods and services; to re-envisage cities and communities and to redefine ideas of sustainable life-styles and prosperity.
About the Curator
Chris Ryan has worked for over 30 years across various areas of science, technology, environmental policy and design and in projects that span the community sector, academia, government and international agencies, and business.
History of the Lectures
More than ever before, Australia’s prosperity depends on original thinkers; people who are prepared to take risks, people who challenge the norms. Named in honour of Australia’s second Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin (1856-1919), the Alfred Deakin Lectures are intended to inform, provoke and stimulate debate, ideas and conversations about the role of innovation across the economy, society and the environment. A free public lecture program first held in Melbourne in 2001, and now including regional Victoria, ‘The Deakins’ are a celebration of big ideas and brilliant minds; bringing renowned thinkers and innovators to Victoria from throughout Australia and around the world.
About
The Alfred Deakin Eco-Innovation Lectures are an initiative of the State Government of Victoria. In 2009, The Deakins adopt a new format. Events occur from July to December, featuring international speakers in a program of free lectures. The theme - 'Climate and Innovation' - links the inescapable challenge of climate change to the spirit of creativity and innovation.
Partners
