"Resolving the Environmental
Crisis"
February 21-23, 2002
Has the human species outgrown its habitat? What then?
The perception that humankind is capable of destroying the natural
systems that support its very existence is new to the late twentieth
century. Only recently have global warming, depletion of the ozone layer,
and the loss of biodiversity become global concerns. The sharp increase
in human population in the last century and our ever-increasing consumption
of natural resources have alarmed many citizens--these changes seem
too rapid, too far-reaching and too destructive. One recent response
to these global concerns is the concept of "sustainable development"
with its goal of reconciling economic growth and environmental health.
How best to respond to these ponderous issues is a complex challenge
that elicits myriad and often hotly debated points of view. But change
is underway. Scientists, engineers and businessmen are developing alternatives
to fossil fuel and nuclear power as "green" energy sources. Policy-makers
seek ways to mitigate pollution and resource-depletion without undercutting
employment and economic growth. Enlightened land use has emerged as
a priority for municipal, national, and international governments. Governments
are broaching new global treaties. The ethical basis for the relationship
of humans to their environment is being reconsidered.
Some wonder philosophically if humans are apart from Nature or a part
of it. Do we have responsibilities to the planet? To the future? How
best should we allocate to a future we do not know when there are so
many present and urgent needs? How do we implement transitionsÑoften
radicalÑfrom traditional practices to novel innovations? Should old
and venerated cultures now change in the name of efficiency?
Our seminar aims to facilitate the conceptualization of the multitude
of issues concerning environmental change through the consideration
of a variety of viewpoints. We will bring together ideas from scholars
in the fields of ethics, economics, ecology and public policy. Each
of their perspectives arises from a different base, stresses different
paradigms and knowledge and assigns its own priorities concerning human
welfare.
Our speakers will include Jeremy Bendik-Keymer (New Collegiate Division),
Michael Conzen (Committee on Geographical Studies), Matthew Leibold
(Ecology and Evolution and Committee on Evolutionary Biology), Raymond
Pierrehumbert (Geophysical Science), Allen Sanderson (Economics), and
Cass Sunstein (Law School).
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University of Chicago