Tim Flannery is one of Australia's leading thinkers and writers.
An internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist, he has published more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific papers. His books include the landmark works The Future Eaters and The Weather Makers.
As a field biologist he has discovered and named more than thirty new species of mammals (including two tree-kangaroos) and at 34 he was awarded the Edgeworth David Medal for outstanding research in zoology. His pioneering work in New Guinea prompted David Attenborough to put him in the league of the world's great explorers, and Redmond O'Hanlon to remark, "He's discovered more new species than Charles Darwin".
He received a Centenary of Federation Medal for his services to Australian science and in 2002 he became the first environmental scientist to deliver the Australia Day address to the nation. In 2005 he was named Australian Humanist of the Year, in 2006 the NSW Australian of the Year, and in 2007 honoured as Australian of the Year.
In 1998-9 he taught at Harvard as professor of Australian Studies. He is a founding member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, a director of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and the National Geographic Society's representative in Australasia.
The Weather Makers has received widespread praise for its informed and balanced approach to the global issue of climate change. It has been translated into more than 20 languages and in 2006 was awarded the NSW Premier's Literary Prizes for Best Critical Writing and Book of the Year. In the same year Tim Flannery received the US Lannan Award for his Non-fiction works.
In 2007 Tim Flannery co-founded and was appointed Chair of The Copenhagen Climate Council, a coalition of community, business, and political leaders who have come together to confront climate change.