UNESCO Chair on Climate Change Vulnerability of Natural and Cultural Heritage
Professor in Physics, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University
An environmental scientist researching impacts upon, and resilience of, marine and coastal ecosystems, including coral bleaching and disease, reef resilience and conservation management, within the context of climate change
Internationally-recognised expert in assessing climate vulnerability of all types of heritage
Lead author of two UNESCO reports on the impacts of climate change on World Heritage coral reefs
In Reuter’s 2021 ‘Hot List’ of world’s 200 top climate scientists
“Highly Cited Researcher™” (top 1% by citations for field; 2020 Clarivate PLC)
Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University
39 years as a natural resource manager/planner, initially in terrestrial national parks
28 years in the Great Barrier Reef (16 years as a Director within GBRMPA responsible for biodiversity conservation, park planning, World Heritage, Indigenous Partnerships, the GBR rezoning and commencing the first GBR Outlook Report)
Awarded an Australian Public Service Medal for his efforts with the GBR rezoning
Involved in World Heritage since 1996; served on the World Heritage Committee as the natural expert in the Australian delegation (2007-2011)
Post-career Ph.D. assessed the reasons for the success of the GBR rezoning
Involved in a range of marine management, climate change and World Heritage matters.
