In front of a packed house at Austin's Paramount Theater, Mayor Will Wynn hosted the third night of the always popular KLRU’s Engaging Speaker Series: Spark '07.

It was a panel discussion tailor-made for the World Changing audience - Climate Change! On this evening's panel were Tim Flannery and Elizabeth Kolbert.

Internationally acclaimed scientist Dr. Tim Flannery believes that human activity is altering the Earth's climate. His best-selling book, The Weather Makers, documents the substantial climate change and the likely ecological effects to the planet if this process continues.

Journalist Elizabeth Kolbert worked with top scientists for her groundbreaking environmental series for The New Yorker. That work has been expanded for the book Field Notes from a Catastrophe, which delves into what can be done to negate the causes of global warming.

Dr. Flannery, a citizen of Australia, painted a grim picture of the pending effects of global climate change. When Mayor Wynn pointed out that the U.S. along with Australia, were the only two industrialized nations who refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol - Dr. Flannery joked that the two countries were the "Bonnie and Clyde of Climate Change Deniers" - providing a welcome bit of humor during a sobering discussion.

Mayor Wynn proved to be an excellent choice to moderate the panel - his knowledge and passion on the subject of global warming was apparent as he asked probing questions and participated in the lively discussion. The City of Austin is participating in a welcome national trend - initiatives by progressive mayors and cities to meet climate change challenges with real programs that make a real difference.

If you missed the event - you can still join in the discussion on the Spark Blog devoted to the subject.