Science prizewinner aims for arts reaction
A sense of duty drives a Victoria University science academic to support the arts as a vehicle to explore issues such as climate change.
Geography, environment and earth sciences professor James Renwick was announced as a winner of a Prime Minister’s $100,000 science communication prize yesterday.
Renwick, a prolific public speaker, planned to put some of the prizemoney towards supporting the Track Zero charity.
The organisation aims to inspire transformative action on climate change through creative expression such as music or dance.
‘‘For several years, I have thought that artistic expression is a great way to communicate with people. You can go and put up graphs . . . but that doesn’t necessarily interest people.
‘‘That kind of story-telling around your own personal experiences, I think that’s what really connects with audiences. I’ve been interested in many years about how different forms of artist expression can help tell a story that people will listen to.’’
He would spend a ‘‘reasonable amount’’ on fostering connections between art and science.
Renwick also wanted to work closely with Ma¯ori leaders to strengthen the links between Western science and their world view.
‘‘I do feel a sense of duty to tell the world about the science behind climate change, how I see the consequences unfolding, and the need for action, which is urgent.’’