Margaret River conservationist Peter Lane launches new book with WA chief scientist Peter Klinken

One of the region’s most respected campaigners will take to the stage to discuss his latest book next week.

Former Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillor and convenor of the Friends of the Yarragadee, Peter Lane, will discuss his latest work at Nala Bardip Mia onApril 3, in conversation with WA’s chief scientist Professor Peter Klinken.

Titled ‘A Short History Of Earth’s Changing Climate’, the new book was a passion project borne out of a labour of love after decades helping promote and protect the Margaret River region.

As well as his trailblazing work backed by years of professional expertise as a geologist defending the region’s underground water resources from perceived exploitation, Lane’s scientific input was also crucial in putting off a coal mine in Osmington early last decade.

He told the Times the new book was a long time coming given his interest in climate change and the effects on species — including human beings — went as far back as his time as an oil geologist in the 1960s.

It led to Lane researching past climate change events with a particular focus on the effects on humanity.

“After compiling the results of some research, it occurred to me that others might also be interested, and as I progressed I extended the period for investigation to cover all of geological time,” he said.

“The research demonstrated that changes to our climate have been the dominant drivers of the evolution and extinction of species, to the extent that had climate remained benign and stable, we homo sapiens would never had evolved.

“It also showed that Earth’s climate is delicate. We must not mess with it.”

Lane has previously produced two other books: The Geology of WA’s National Parks and Our Planet and the Evolution of WA’s Far South West.

Thursday’s book launch is presented by the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival and the Margaret River Bookshop with tickets $10, available via artsmargaretriver.com.