Climates of Change and Sustainability in Cross-disciplinary Perspectives

Date 9 May 2019 09:00 - 10 May 2019 17:00
Venue University of Birmingham
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Whether viewed as a natural environment defined by its geography, as a human environment shaped by culture, politics and economics, or as both: Europe and its global surroundings are undergoing an intense period of change and uncertainty. Not for the first time in history, various ecological/meteorological, technological, ideological and sociological challenges are demanding flexible and sustainable responses from Europeans and their institutions.

While Europeans have contributed to plastic waste accumulation around the world, the continent itself is experiencing increased pollution, extreme weather conditions and rising energy prices. Meanwhile, demographic changes engendered by aging populations and migration – including refugees fleeing war, poverty and environmental disasters – are putting pressure on existing structures and emboldening identitarian movements and populisms across the continent. At the same time, globalisation and new technologies – driven by multinationals and tech-giants – are transforming virtually all aspects of working and social life, within and outside Europe.

The conference wishes to address questions such as: What factors, ideas and values define and disrupt Europe and its entangled internal and external environments? What pressures have been – and continue to be – placed on these environments and how have they been dealt with, both in the past and in contemporary Europe? How can Europeans create and preserve cohesive environments that adapt to change and accommodate diversity?

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Delivered by EAUC