Lumen Winter 2018 - Flipbook - Page 13
Tim Jarvis AM is living proof that you can
successfully combine work and play. His passions
have seen him undertake some extraordinary
adventures, both for the thrill of it and to highlight
the catastrophic effects of climate change.
STORY BY KELLY BROWN
An environmental scientist, author,
adventurer and public speaker who holds
a Master of Laws (Environmental Law)
from the University of Adelaide, Tim has
completed unsupported expeditions to
some of the world’s most remote regions,
including the South Pole, the High Arctic
and Australia’s vast Great Victoria desert.
He has even retraced the polar journeys
of the likes of Sir Douglas Mawson and
Sir Ernest Shackleton using the same
rudimentary equipment and rations.
So what calls Tim to adventure? He says it’s
a combination of the challenge, and a love of
the outdoors that started in his childhood.
“I think it is the thrill of it, delving into
the unknown and the feeling of being in
the company of a more resourceful version
of you that emerges when you set big
challenges for yourself.
“At the end of the day, society relies upon
adventurous souls taking a few risks to
progress, whatever the discipline. This
human spirit of adventure lies at the heart
of artistic expression, advances in science,
medicine or politics, or any other sphere
you care to mention.”
Tim has worked as an environmental
scientist for more than 20 years, including
as a sustainability advisor on multilateral
aid projects in developing countries
for organisations like the World Bank
and AusAID.
“My current project 25Zero uses spectacular
images, human interest stories and footage
of melting tropical glaciers to raise awareness
about climate change among policy makers,
the media and the public,” he said.
“You need to use whatever sticks and
carrots you feel will work with the audience
whose behaviour you are trying to
influence or change.”
Tim believes that using his adventures as
a vehicle to reach a wider audience works
on a number of levels.
“Firstly, showcasing some of the most
pristine and remote places on the planet can
instil a sense of desire and urgency to want
to protect them.
“Secondly, expeditions are a major exercise
in organisation, leadership and endurance.
So the expedition provides some great
take-homes for the corporate world.
“Thirdly, the adventures I embark on are
such big logistical challenges, people are
interested in knowing how you take a vague
concept and project manage it into reality.”
In addition to his public speaking
engagements, films, books and expeditions,
Tim is an environmental advocate and
ambassador for Worldwide Fund For
Nature and a patron of Nature Play SA –
an organisation established to increase the
time children spend in unstructured play in
nature. He is also a board member of Zoos
SA. For his services to the environment,
community and exploration, Tim was
conferred a Member of the Order of
Australia (AM) in 2010.
For those of us who may feel a bit helpless
when it comes to climate change, Tim says
that every contribution makes an impact.
“Start small and build up. Make it tangible
and reward yourself for the change you’ve
made,” he said. “After all, if not you, who,
if not now, when?”
Left: Tim Jarvis during his retracing of
Sir Douglas Mawson’s expedition
Photo by John Stoukalo.
Here are Tim’s top tips to take action at
home, at work and in the community to
make an impact on climate change.
ENERGY
Switch off standby on your appliances,
replace your globes with LEDs, replace
your appliances with energy efficient
products when they reach end of life,
adjust your heating or cooling, and put
better insulation in your roof.
TRANSPORT
Cycle to work, take public transport,
fly less for work and holidays (and get
carbon offsets for all your flying).
FOOD
Eat less meat and buy your produce from
a local farmer’s market where the carbon
footprint of the produce you buy is lower,
because it has been grown locally.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Install solar panels and rainwater tanks
on your home if finances allow. The
return on investment for solar panels
is surprisingly quick.
COMMUNITY
Pick a local project that you can
get involved in.
GIFTS
Buy experiences not things!
Right: Tim Jarvis during one of his presentations
Photo by: Russell Millard
Alumni Magazine ~ Winter 2018
11
