Monday 30 July 2018 1:54pm
Professor Gary Wilson
Professor Gary Wilson, a world-renowned researcher whose work explores the impact of melting ice shelves, was the keynote speaker at the University of Otago’s alumni event in Hamilton on Monday 30 July.
During his presentation at the Waikato Museum, Gary had an interesting proposition for alumni.
He challenged Waikato alumni and friends to consider the two per cent challenge as a way of reducing carbon emissions, which could have a positive impact on halting rising temperatures.
Gary suggested taking a ‘Sunday night challenge’, which meant people cooked whatever is in the fridge on Sunday evenings instead of going out to buy takeaways or ingredients, could lower a household's carbon footprint.
He also encouraged guests to walk more by using their cars one less time each week.
Gary also outlined the processes he uses to collect ice samples from Antarctica, and how those samples are analysed to provide the data needed to model future sea level changes.
His presentation finished with a question and answer session.
Otago staff also updated alumni and guests on current developments at the University, and events at next year’s University of Otago 150th anniversary celebrations.
