November 14, 2024 (Thursday), 16:30 – 18:00 JST
IDEC Small Conference Room (in-person only)
About the Lecture
Climate change, deterioration of ecosystems, geopolitical tension, wars, disinformation and polarization, are all reasons to be desperately concerned for the future. It may be easy to lose hope, to feel that all is lost, and that a kind act by an individual is insignificant. Although these dramatically negative developments are evidently unfolding, there is also a parallel, tangible development that points towards a brighter future. Bold policy making, legal changes, corporate and financial adjustments, mobilization of civil society, restoration of ecosystems, changes to food, energy, and transport systems, indicate there are reasons to be hopeful. How can scientists keep both desperation and hope alive at the same time? What can scientists do to mobilize their own agency, and be active agents to stimulate hope? What conditions can stimulate scientists to act in line with their knowledge?
About the Speaker
Professor Henrik Österblom is professor of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, where he was appointed the inaugural director of the Anthropocene Laboratory in 2022. He is a member of the scientific advisory council to the RIKEN Institute in Japan (2023-2025) and has been chairing the Natural Capital Partnership Committee at Stanford University since 2022. Prof. Österblom has served as scientific advisor to the SARAS Institute in Uruguay (2016-2023). His research focuses on human cooperation and new solutions to global sustainability challenges, with a particular focus on the dynamics of ocean systems, co-production with private corporations and exploration of human-nature relationships with artists.
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