James Hansen in New Zealand

World famous climate scientist Dr James Hansen arrives soon for a speaking tour in NZ, brought by a coalition of environmental and social justice organisations, academics and progressive business. If you've been puzzled about the controversies about climate change, this is your chance to get it straight. If you are already convinced and want to know what must be done, Be there. We can now bring you the schedule for public meetings in NZ. There is more detail on the facebook site  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/James-Hansen-NZ-Tour-May-2011/176696445713765 His public talks are called "Human-made climate change: a scientific, moral and legal issue" and he explains the latest science of climate change, how serious and urgent action has become, and why he has become an activist as well as a scientist. This could be a turning point in NZ's awareness and in the public demand for government action. He is meeting with progressive business leaders, politicians, farmers, youth and media - I hope as many as possible of civil society will meet him too as we are the only ones who can make the difference in the end. We are not taking out paid advertising, but relying on e-lists and word of mouth. We are operating on a shoestring - if you would like to donate to the costs of the tour,  Oxfam is acting as banker for us. The account is 01 0202 0117805 02 Please use the reference ADCLIMATETOUR11_JHT Schedule of public events for Dr James Hansen’s NZ Tour, May 2011  Thurs 12th May: Auckland 6pm:   public lecture University of Auckland Business School OGGB4, Level 0, Owen Glenn Bldg, 12 Grafton Rd  Fri 13th May: Palmerston North 1.30pm public lecture, Japan Room,  Massey University  Sat 14  8.15 am RNZ with Kim Hill Mon 16th May: Wellington 5.45pm public lecture Rutherford House, welcomed by Mayor Celia Wade-Brown  Tues 17th May: Wellington 8.45 am – 5.30 pm IPS Symposium “Future of Coal,” Victoria University (he will speak 10.20 to 11.30,  on panel 4pm -5.30pm). Download programme  Wed 18th May:  Dunedin 5.30 – 7pm public lecture, St David’s Lecture Hall  Thurs 19th May:  Gore 2 pm public meeting hosted by Mataura Landcare group , Gore District Council Bldg  Friday 20th May: Christchurch 12-1 pm Uni of Canterbury, room tbc 5.30 pm public talk hosted by Kennedy Graham, MP, venue TBC   Saturday 21st May: Auckland 12-4 pm, Auckland Town Hall, Festival for the Planet - music, talks, dance, action event especially for young people with a Pasifika flavour. Hansen speaks 2.30 pm. More at www.planetfestival.org.nz Jeanette Fitzsimons for the steering group