Improving the human condition, equitably, sustainably and within limits that protect the natural environment, is perhaps the critical challenge of the 21st century. The Clarke Forum theme of the spring 2013 semester will explore this challenge from multiple perspectives that span and integrate the arts and humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, with a goal of informing the continued infusion of sustainability across the Dickinson curriculum. Topics will range from the local to the global and include practical models for building sustainable communities, social, environmental and health effects of developing natural gas in Pennsylvania and Mozambique, social movements to combat global climate change, and interpreting and responding to planetary boundaries.
Events Related to Theme:
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Stern Center, Great Room, 7:00 p.m.
Love Your Monsters: Why Technology Will Save the World
Michael Shellenberger, president, The Breakthrough Institute
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Stern Center, Great Room, 7:00 p.m.
Sustainable Development in Mozambique
Peter Bechtel ’81, coordinator, Northern Region, World Wildlife Fund-Mozambique
Ruth Mkhwanazi-Bechtel, program director, Vanderbilt University’s Friends in Global Health in Mozambique
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Stern Center, Great Room, 7:00 p.m.
Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Extraction
Panel Discussion
Panelists: Peter Bechtel ’81, coordinator, Northern Region, World Wildlife Fund-Mozambique; Tim Kelsey, professor, Penn State University; Veronica Coptis, community organizer, Mountain Watershed Association; Erika Staaf, advocate, PennEnvironment; and Julie Vastine, director, ALLARM (moderator)
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Designing Resilience in a Black Swan World
David Orr, Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics, Oberlin College
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
Front Line of the Climate Fight
Bill McKibben, Schumann Distinguished Scholar, Middlebury College