Humankind depends on natural systems to survive, yet the ways we live and consume goods are destroying the planet. We are already facing some serious issues that will worsen over time: increased highway congestion, flooding, extreme weather conditions and competition for clean water and good land.
Delaware Valley College will host a series of symposia exploring how we can adapt our human networks to reduce and reverse these trends without jeopardizing the needs of future generations.
The symposia will integrate business, science and humanities to explore the ways our human, natural and human-made systems interconnect, and how government policies affect them.
The first symposium is scheduled for October 7 – 9, 2010 and will focus on feeding ourselves: the business, science and human aspects of the food systems – adapting how we produce, process, package, and transport our food to reduce negative impacts and improve air quality, water quality and quantity, soil health, and social equity. Other symposia will explore land use, energy, and the economy.
The symposium will bring together academics, corporations, environmentalists, planners, engineers, local, state and federal officials, architects, planners, and farmers from across the United States to explore a broad array of issues and perspectives, share ideas and collectively explore ways to reverse negative trends.
Confirmed speakers include: Nationally known nutritionist and food politics expert, Marion Nestle, New York University and author (The Politics of Food); Michael Mandelbaum, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and author (The Ideas That Conquered the World: Peace, Democracy, and Free Markets in the Twenty-First Century); Robert Kenner, Director and Producer of Food Inc.; Michael Gallis, Gallis and Associates; and Charles Alpuche, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations for Pepsi Cola.
A full list of speakers can be found on the speakers page.
A combination of plenary sessions and panel discussions will explore the barriers, opportunities, and highlight successes and innovations in moving toward a more resilient and adaptive world.
For more information contact Amanda Leirvik.
