The Australian Defence Force Academy
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University Lecture 2008
By OFFCDT Cavin Wilson
24 September 2008
Author, respected academic and renowned thinker Clive Hamilton, recently presented the annual University lecture at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Speaking on the topic of climate change and its implications for Australia’s future, Professor Hamilton addressed an audience of avid ADFA students, staff and visiting dignitaries with passion and enthusiasm, encouraging all to critically analyse the potential ramifications of the actions of today on the generations of tomorrow.
The University Lecture, which has in the past been delivered by such luminaries as Rev. Tim Costello and Natasha Stott Despoja, is intended to expose the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets of ADFA to a broader range of academic disciplines. Covering subjects as diverse as leadership, ethics and economics, the lectures give students an opportunity to branch off from their core area of study and challenge them to view issues and dilemmas from a different perspective. Professor Hamilton approached this mission with vigor, challenging the audience to lay aside their previously held biases and conceptions of climate change. Drawing on powerful examples and compelling logic, he demonstrated to a critical audience the reality and severity of man-made climate change, the imminence of potentially catastrophic consequences and the ease with which a willing society would be able to counter the prevailing trend.
However, the true success of the evening was not in the lecture itself, nor would it have been immediately observable to the staff or the invited guests. The true success of the evening came in hours following the lecture, in the cadets mess and accommodation blocks, which came alive with discussion and heated debate. Some agreed fervently with Professor Hamilton, other vehemently disagreed but all expressed an opinion. His clear and succinct presentation of an arguably controversial and frequently divisive issue gave the academy the impetus to further explore the impacts and consequences of climate change and brought renewed interest to an issue pertinent, not only to the future of the Australian Defence Force, but to Australia as a whole.
