Events
Polar Bears, Climate Change, and "Fig-Leaf" Conservation Policy
Presented by Dr. Douglas Clark, Centennial Chair in Human Dimensions of Environment
and Sustainability, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan
Thursday March 18, 2010
Start Time: 1:30 PM - End Time: 3:00 PM
| Category: | Public Lecture | |
| Campus: | Both campuses | |
| Saskatoon Location: | Theatre (101 Diefenbaker Place), Diefenbaker Building, University of Saskatchewan Campus | |
| Regina Location: | JS Window Room, 2nd Floor, Gallery Building, University of Regina College Ave. Campus | |
| Description: | Polar bears have become globally recognized symbols in the movement to take action against climate change, and they are the subject of increasing designation internationally as a species at risk due to a warming Arctic climate. Unfortunately, the use of polar bears as a politicized symbol in climate change debates has resulted in top-down decisions that are counter-productive not only from a biological conservation perspective, but also to achieving broader societal goals such as Aboriginal self-determination in the Canadian north. In Canada and internationally there is a trend towards fi g-leaf policies that off er the reassurance of governmental action to protect polar bears without actually addressing the principal underlying threat to the species, which is climate change. Dr. Clark proposes an alternative strategy for polar bear conservation that is based on: 1) local adaptation by both people and bears to changing conditions, 2) community-scale engagement, and
3) larger-scale institutions creating and supporting linkages between those locales. Such an approach can and must be applied in concert with other adaptive governance approaches to deal more eff ectively with the interrelated challenges of polar bear conservation, climate change, and human dignity. This event is co-sponsored by the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan. With an emphasis on creating and integrating multiple understandings of natural and human environments, the school focuses on collaborative research and teaching, graduate student engagement, and community involvement. Students are given opportunities to address environmental and sustainability challenges with regional, national, and international signifi cance. For more information on the school, visit http://www.usask.ca/sens. | |
| Please Note: | There is no cost for this event but seating is limited.
Please be advised that the JSGS Outreach & Training Window Room is located on the second floor of the Gallery Building. Individuals with mobility difficulties should contact us at (306) 585-5826 i | |
| Contact: | For more information contact us at 306.585.5869 or . | |
Event Details (Click here to download a print ready file)
Registration Encouraged
