Educators and parents are welcome to attend a videoconference presentation about links between the lack of nature in the lives of today's wired generation and some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as obesity, attention disorders, and depression.

The presentation by Canadian author and child advocacy expert Richard Louv will be beamed into CQU's campuses at Rockhampton, Mackay, Gladstone and Bundaberg as well as its Noosa Hub in Goodchap Street, Noosaville.

The 'Climate for Change' videoconference will be held from Noon-3pm on Friday September 21 and will also feature a presentation on the global warming phenomena in Australia by CQU's Professor Bob Miles, from the Institute for Sustainable Regional Development.

Louv's 'Last Child in the Woods' is the first book to bring together a new and growing body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. He has since written ''Nature Deficit Disorder'.

The videoconference has been arranged for delegates involved in a conference for Queensland's outdoor and environmental education centres, but interested members of the public are also welcome to attend.

Details and RSVPs are via Karla Johnston at North Keppel Environmental Centre (NKIEEC) on 4939 2510.

There is also background via: http://nkieec.eq.edu.au/acfcc2007/index.html

Conference organiser Greg Hossack said Education Queensland's environmental education centres are based at island, coastal and inland locations across the State and support 90,000 students each year. The centres are diverse in their programs and environments and support students from prepatory years through to university.

The conference is sponsored by Central Queensland University and Rio Tinto. A range of workshop sessions will include state, national and international experts and will incorporate recent educational research into effective programs.