The Economics of Human Extinction
Description
Andrew Leigh explores the economics of existential risk and what it will take to respond before it’s too late.
The 2026 Annual Giblin Lecture will be delivered by The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner (ACT).
One of Tasmania’s flagship public‑economics events and a cornerstone of the Island of Ideas program, the Giblin Lecture brings leading thinkers, economists, researchers and the wider community together to deepen public understanding of economic issues of public importance.
In this year’s lecture, Dr Leigh explores the economics of existential risk, asking why societies are often slow to respond to catastrophic threats and what economic thinking can contribute to better prevention and preparedness.
The Giblin Lecture
The Giblin Lecture, established in 1996 and presented annually in association with The Economic Society of Australia (Tasmania Branch), aims to stimulate economic debate on the topics of the day.
The lecture is held in honour of Lyndhurst Falkiner Giblin, a Tasmanian born economist (1872-1951), who played an important role in the evolution of economic policy making in Australia. He served as the Tasmanian government statistician and acting Commonwealth statistician, and advised on tariff and depression policies, as well as seeing active duty in the First World War.
Ideas worth sharing about issues that matter
Island of Ideas invites all Tasmanians to join our series of free public talks designed to ignite conversation and curiosity across our community. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the program brings together researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and community voices to discuss the issues that matter.
Stay connected by subscribing to our mailing list for updates or visit Island of Ideas to watch past talks and register for upcoming events.
The Experts
The Honourable Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected in 2010, Andrew was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard, having graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in Arts and Law. Andrew is a past recipient of the Economic Society of Australia's Young Economist Award and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. His books include Disconnected (2010), Battlers and Billionaires: The Story of Inequality in Australia (2013), The Economics of Just About Everything (2014), The Luck of Politics (2015), Choosing Openness: Why Global Engagement is Best for Australia (2017), Randomistas: How Radical Researchers Changed Our World (2018), Innovation + Equality: How to Create a Future That Is More Star Trek Than Terminator (with Joshua Gans) (2019), Reconnected: A Community Builder's Handbook (with Nick Terrell) (2020), What's the Worst That Could Happen? Existential Risk and Extreme Politics (2021), Fair Game: Lessons From Sport for a Fairer Society and a Stronger Economy (2022), The Shortest History of Economics (2024), Battlers and Billionaires: The Updated Story of Inequality in Australia (2024), The Shortest History of Innovation (2026). Andrew is a keen Ironman triathlete and marathon runner, and hosts a podcast called The Good Life: Andrew Leigh in Conversation, about living a happier, healthier and more ethical life. Andrew is the father of three sons - Sebastian, Theodore and Zachary, and lives with his wife Gweneth in Canberra. He has been a member of the Australian Labor Party since 1991.
Facilitated by Mark Bowles, Dean and Head of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics. University of Tasmania
Mark Bowles is the Dean and Head of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania. Previously, he served as Acting CEO of Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania. A respected economist and executive with over 25 years of experience, Mark has led industry and workforce development, public policy, and business advisory services across Tasmania. Well-known in the state's business community, he was Chief Economist for the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry before spending a decade in the Tasmanian Government.
Event Schedule
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Complimentary refreshments available on arrival
Arrive early and enjoy complimentary refreshments before the talk commences. There is free parking, including accessible spaces, available at the venue. Please bring a copy of your printed or electronic ticket to scan on arrival.
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Island of Ideas talk
Seating is first come, first served. The event will be live streamed and recorded.
- 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Moderated audience Q&A
You are invited to participate in a Q&A directly following the talk.
FAQs
- I can no longer attend in person, can I attend online?
Island of Ideas talks are available to attend either in person or online!
If you would prefer to watch the event live online via Zoom, please register here.
Alternatively, a YouTube livestream will also be available (Q&A is available only through Zoom).
- How can I find out more about Island of ideas events?
Want to learn more about the University of Tasmania's Island of Ideas public talks series?
Catch-up on past events, register for upcoming talks or get in touch with us via our Island of Ideas webpage or subscribe to our mailing list for Island of Ideas updates.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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