U of G Hosts Environmental Science Symposium
January 03, 2008 - News Release
Myths and truths about energy technologies, wild natural foods and urban environmentalism are some of the topics to be discussed at the University of Guelph's 14th annual Environmental Sciences Symposium Jan. 12 in Rozanski Hall.
Hundreds of students, academics and members of the public are expected to attend the daylong event, which will feature workshops, seminars and lectures on the theme: "Sustainable Future: Where Do We Go From Here?" Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and talks begin at 9:30 a.m.
"Developing awareness and understanding of current environmental issues that threaten the viability of human society is the goal of the symposium," said Kyle Lynch, a director of this year's event.
"We seek to educate and empower participants by offering them regional solutions to global problems. We hope to inspire people to take action in their own lives by providing diverse options for sustainable action."
The roster of speakers includes federal Green Party candidate Mike Nagy, who will examine the realistic potential of renewable energy. Prof. David Anderson, director of the Guelph Institute for the Environment and a former federal environment minister, will discuss the future path of environmental management. Jonathon Forbes, owner of Forbes Wild Foods, will explore the future of wild natural foods in Canada and discuss how we can eat from the plants growing naturally in our area.
Other speakers are Guelph Mayor Karen Farbridge, who will share her experience in implementing sustainability policies and programs; U of G geography professor Alice Hovorka, who specializes in urban geography and gender and the environment; U of G economics professor Ross McKitrick, a Canadian environmental economist and global warming skeptic; Guelph's dean of graduate studies, Isobel Heathcote, who will talk about the power of the public consultation process; Alec Brownlow, a geography professor at DePaul University who has explored issues related to urban environmentalism, environmental racism, environments of urban renewal, and social and cultural constructions of urban environments; and Dan Dusto of Ontario Parks, who will discuss the past, present and future management and conservation of Ontario's parks.
Advance tickets for the symposium are $10 for U of G students, $15 for non-students, and can be purchased at the Info Desk on Level 1 of the University Centre or online at www.uoguelph.ca/~envsymp. Tickets at the door are $12 and $17.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, l.hunt@exec.uoguelph.ca or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982, d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca
