Dr Luke Kelly is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology at the University of Melbourne, leading teams both locally and internationally. Luke studies the dynamics of plant and animal populations, educates about biodiversity and human well-being, and collaborates with diverse stakeholders to prevent species extinction.With expertise in ecological and evolutionary dynamics, Luke recently led a team of researchers that assessed how human activities are reshaping patterns of fire across the globe. Some of the findings were quite surprising, with our planet now burning in unexpected ways. In this conversation we talk shop on fire fundamentals, key fire changes both globally and locally, and how we can coexist with fires in the Anthropocene, by moving forward and working together to generate ideas and solutions.In this episode, we discuss:Luke’s scientific background and current research workThe work of biodynamos, the Biodiversity Dynamics Research GroupFire as fundamental to human civilisation and the earth's systemsBenefits and risks of fire for biodiversity and threatened speciesLuke’s recent paper Understanding Fire Regimes for a Better AnthropoceneSurprising findings regarding global fire activityFire regime changes in Australia, including an upward trend in mega-firesKey anthropogenic drivers of fire regime changesThe consequences for humans, flora, and fauna due to changing fire regimes in AustraliaHow we best move forward while living with fire in the Anthropocene, including practical recommendations for people in high-risk areasThe importance of a proactive approach, rather than a reactive responseHow fire can help us achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development GoalsTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.