University of the Third Age Brisbane

University of the Third Age Brisbane

University of the Third Age Brisbane

Class Information

Term 4 2026

E10 Earth Readings II     NEW


Tutor: Gerry Van Klinken
Our beloved planet Earth is not in a good place. Rather than look away, participants in this course feel empowered by thinking about it together. We learn about a wide range of critical and positive ideas drawn from the environmental humanities. We discuss planetary ethics and animal morality, ecological economics and indigenous thought, green politics, ecofeminism, ecopsychology, and much more. Participants volunteer to prepare a discussion-starter based on a video or book chapter. There are no right or wrong answers!
Venue: 288 Edward St
Wednesday 11.00am - 12.15pm. Classes started 7 October, finish 9 December.
Cost: $50 (prepaid), 10 weeks
Current Enrolments: 13  (capacity 15)


Class image
"Ma Yuan, 13th century Song dynasty court painter and Daoist philosopher. "The Dao follows nature."
Attribution: Wikimedia Commons
Class image
"Ma Yuan, 13th century Song dynasty court painter and Daoist philosopher. "The Dao follows nature."
Attribution: Wikimedia Commons
Class image
"Ma Yuan, 13th century Song dynasty court painter and Daoist philosopher. "The Dao follows nature."
Attribution: Wikimedia Commons

Earth Readings II follows the earlier Climate Readings (now called Earth Readings I). But this is not a prerequisite. Earth Readings I will soon be available as Earth Readings: Thinking ecology as we head to the unknown. Mayfly Books.

About the Tutor: Gerry Van Klinken

Gerry Van KlinkenGerry van Klinken had his first career in the natural sciences: geology and physics. He then moved into the humanities, researching Asian history at universities in Southeast Asia and the Netherlands. After retiring from a research Institute in the Netherlands he is developing a "third career" in which the humanities and the sciences come together to confront the climate crises. He is honorary professor in history at the University of Queensland.

If you are a U3A Brisbane member you may enrol in this class online using the Enrol button below. You will be asked to provide your membership number and name for identification.


If you wish to obtain further information about this class before enrolling, you may send a message to the tutor using the Send Enquiry Message button below.