Is Humanity Inherently Unsustainable? Join Bill Rees, originator of the “ecological footprint” concept when he visits Dalhousie University on Thursday, March 17 as he discusses this issue for the Killam Lecture Series. As part of the College of Sustainability’s presentation of the 2011 Dorothy J. Killam Memorial Lecture Series, Professor Rees will speak this Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Ondaatje Hall in the McCain building.
Dr, Rees has taught at the School of Community and Regional Planning, University of British Columbia since 1969. He is a recipient of the 2007 Trudeau Fellowship Prize and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He is the originator of the “ecological footprint” concept and the co-developer of the method. His primary interests are the realm of ecological economics, human ecology and the ecological conditions for sustainable socioeconomic development.
After decades of measuring our impact on the planet he now explores the area of human cognition and human nature, questions such as, how can we explain humanity’s impulse towards denial of issues like climate change and dangerous threats to our own survival?
“Sustainability is really a matter of generational justice, of the kind of world, the quality of life, and the opportunities for fulfillment that we will leave for those who come after us,” says Steve Mannell, director of the College of Sustainability and coordinator of the 2011 Killam Lecture Series. “Educating for sustainability is something significant that we can do right now, to enable the next generation to plot a different way forward for humanity.”
Students and faculty have the opportunity to meet Dr. Rees for a question-and-answer session. Please e-mail sustain@dal.ca if you are available from 1:30-3 p.m. on Thursday and would like to attend.
Dalhousie University's Dorothy J. Killam Memorial Lecture Series is a popular annual event, bringing together the university community, the general public and renowned scholars and thinkers from around the world. All are welcome to attend.
The lecture will start at 7 p.m. and is free of charge. Please arrive early as seating is limited. A reception will follow.
For more information, visit the Killam website or call the College of Sustainability at 494-4581
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