[Siss-l] Schumacher Institute forum - April 27th, Energy Crises and Climate Change: how do we cope?

[Ian Roderick]

Energy Crises and Climate Change: how do we cope?

 

The Schumacher Institute is holding an informal conversation day on April
27th, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm (with the normal free lunch) at the CREATE
Environment Centre, Bristol.

 

There is much uncertainty about energy supplies and climate change as we try
to picture the future. Thousands of scientists, industry specialists, policy
makers and other experts are working to understand and predict what may
unfold. However, we can only improve our understanding, we will never be
certain.  

 

The idea for the day is to appreciate the structure, timings and likelihoods
of possible outcomes, to understand the complexity of change and to develop
methodology and principles to work with human-nature systems in this energy
/ climate context. For example, how should we think about our food
production and distribution systems in somewhere like the South West of
England? We cannot assume a climate like the past few decades and cheap oil
for fertilisers and transport are unlikely to return, but what are the
principles for adapting to these uncertain changes and what are their limits
and consequences.

 

The day will start with presentations including the work done by Pru Foster
from Bristol University on the catastrophic impact of climate change on frog
species in Central America - an example of the delicate balance that
prevails in the web of life. David Hirst will present 'Gaian Engineering' to
stimulate discussion on systems thinking for climate change.

 

We will also consider the issues using the 12-node world modelling approach
developed by Tony Hodgson as a practical exercise to track consequences and
develop methodology.

 

If you would like to present ideas or results of any studies please let us
know.

 

There is no charge for the day but we always welcome donations towards the
work of the Institute.

 

If you wish to come then please send an email to Yolanda at
admin at schumacher.org.uk.

 

Best wishes

 

Ian Roderick

 

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