Andrew Leigh will be in conversation with Brian Schmidt
Monday December 13. 6 PM Cinema Kambri Cultural Centre ANU
Andrew Leigh will be in conversation with Brian Schmidt on Andrew’s new book, What’s the Worst That Could Happen? Existential Risk and Extreme Politics in which Andrew Leigh looks at catastrophic risks and how to mitigate them, arguing provocatively that the rise of populist politics makes catastrophe more likely.
Leigh explains that pervasive short-term thinking leaves us unprepared for long-term risks. Politicians sweat the small stuff—granular policy details of legislation and regulation—but rarely devote much attention to reducing long-term risks. Populist movements thrive on short-termism because they focus on their followers’ immediate grievances. Leigh argues that we should be long-termers: broaden our thinking and give big threats the attention and resources they need.
Dr Andrew Leigh MP is the Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Before being elected in 2010, he was a professor of economics at the ANU. His latest books are Innovation + equality: (with J Gans), MIT Press, and Reconnected: A Community Builder’s Handbook (with N Terrell), Black Inc.
Nobel laureate, Professor Brian Schmidt AC is ANU Vice-Chancellor . Professor Schmidt makes a significant contribution to public debate through the media, and via his membership of bodies including the Prime Minister’s National Science and Technology Council.
In accordance to the current COVID-19 guidelines in the ACT, Attendees are requested to review and follow ACT Health guidelines before attending the event.
This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop. Books will be available for purchase on the evening in the Cultural Centre foyer. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm, and available again after the event until 7.30pm.