Abstract

Sustainable is a word that is widely employed to describe a desirable future for the world and its peoples. The simplest definition of sustainability is ‘not cheating on our children’; to that should be added, ‘not cheating on our neighbours’ and ‘not cheating on the rest of creation’. We live in a world that is cheating in all these respects and is moving fast in unsustainable directions. Can we identify the main causes of this unsustainability?

This one day conference will explore The root causes of environmental unsustainability from scientific, economic, ethical and theological perspectives and the changes that could begin to map out a sustainable future.

Speakers include Sir John Houghton FRS , Lord Brian Griffiths, Dr Jim McCarthy (President-elect AAAS ), Prof Donald Hay (Oxford University), Prof Cal de Witt (Wisconsin & Au Sable Institute), Prof John Guillebaud (Oxford University), Ian Arbon (Visiting Prof, Newcastle Univ), Prof Michael Northcott (Edinburgh University) and Prof Bob White FRS (Cambridge University).

Entry will be by free ticket, which includes morning and afternoon refreshments and reduced-price bookstall. Subsidised buffet lunch with speakers available for £10 by pre-booked ticket. Early registration recommended, since places are limited. To register see details on www.jri.org.uk or email john.mckeown@jri.org.uk (Tel. 01242 714842)