WHAT WAS UP IN THE PLIOCENE EPOCH?

Join Paul for a snapshot of the environment and climate 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago. What were some of the major events of the epoch including those at the start and end? How similar were animal communities to those of today? At what stage of development was the line of evolution that produced our own species? Are we, through our own actions, taking our planet back to the higher temperatures and sea levels experienced then? We will look at some of the evidence that suggests we might be doing so.

Paul taught in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury and has a long-term interest in climate change. He has performed research in Antarctica and Iceland and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others.