Australia's Chief Scientist Proposes International Conference on Science, Cities and Sustainability. (October 26, 2010)

Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Penny Sackett, in addressing the attendees of the 10^th Science and Engineering Grand Challenge last week noted: "[D]ue to our large individual carbon footprints we, as individual Australians, are probably more able on a person-to-person basis to effect change than any other individuals in the world. Figures from 2008 show that, per capita, Australians are emitting almost 21 metric tonnes per year of CO₂. The average person in the UK is producing less than half of that, and in India the figure is as low as 1.3 metric tonnes."

She then informed her audience:

[M]any solutions that would reduce the carbon footprint of cities would also make them more self-sufficient and a healthier environment for their citizens.

Over the past year my Office has been working quietly but vigorously to ask how science and engineering in Australia can contribute to sustainable cities.

I am proposing to use my office to catalyse a meeting of scientists, city planners, engineers and local policy makers to come together in Australia in 2011 for the first international conference of its type on Science, Cities and Sustainability.

These are challenges that cannot be solved by one generation. Each generation must do its part in creating human and ecosystem environments that are more sustainable, healthier, more diverse and more affordable and therefore more equitable.

Professor Sackett gave no specifics as to the dates, venue or conferees for the meeting.