Professor Will Steffen (pictured) was a man of rare talents mixed with an abundance of scientific skills, but beyond that was the epitome of what a gentleman is - kind, thoughtful, compassionate, fair and beyond anything else a decent and good bloke.

The Australia National University emeritus professor died of pancreatic cancer late in January and brought his knowledge of the world's climate challenges to Australia in 1977 and quickly became a fixture of climate conversations throughout the country, influencing many people from the Federal Government down.

Will was a member of the Climate Council and had played a leading role in the creation and maintenance of many other climate bodies - we have lost a true climate champion.

"'One of Australia’s most influential and respected climate scientists' Will Steffen dies aged 75";

"‘Driving force’: Tributes flow for giant of Australian climate science";

"We’ve lost a giant: Vale Professor Will Steffen, climate science pioneer";

"ANU Emeritus Professor Will Steffen dies aged 76".