Sustainability Seminar Series invites you to a seminar with German author Ulrich Grober "Back to Basics: The Origins and the Future of the Modern Sustainability Discourse"
Sustainability Seminar Series invites you to a seminar with:
Ulrich Grober, German author and journalist
“Back to basics: The Origins and the Future of the Modern Sustainability Discourse”
About the seminar:
The idea of sustainability has deep roots in practically all cultures of the world. The term itself, however, so familiar in today's global vocabulary, was shaped in the 17th century European discourse on timber shortage. Initiated by the newly-established British Royal Society and its founding member John Evelyn, this discourse soon spread to the continent. It paved the way to a new approach to the management of forests. In Germany it led to the coining of the term „nachhaltig“ (i.e. sustaining, sustainable). Its first use by the Saxonian cameralist Carlowitz dates back to 1713.
Ulrich Grober is the author of the book Sustainability: A Cultural History (2012), which takes us back in time to analyze the development and meaning of the concept over time and in shifting paradigms. Not by offering a new definition but to rediscover the essence of the word, its history and its soul. We hear about sustainability in many contexts, such as economics, social and corporate behavior etc. But is the term wearing out and what does it really mean? In his lecture Ulrich Grober takes us on an exciting journey back to the historical sources. They shed a new light on the essence of our modern-day concept of sustainability, which is often diluted and distorted, but may still prove to be the key to human survival in the 21st century.
After his presentation the floor is open to Q&A facilitated by Professor Stefano Ponte, Academic co-director of the Sustainability Platform.
When: 20 February, 15:00 - 16:30 - Where: CBS, Porcelænshaven 16B, Room PH218
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We look forward to seeing you!
Resources:
Book: Grober, U., Sustainability: A Cultural History, translated by Ray Cunningham, published by Green Books (2012)
Article: Grober, U., Deep roots - A conceptual history of 'sustainable development (Nachhaltigkeit), Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung (2007)
Bio:
Ulrich Grober is a publicist, broadcaster and journalist, whose work covers cultural history, future visions, sustainability and ecotourism. Born in Germany, he studied Philosophy and German and English Literature at the Universities of Frankfurt and Bochum. His book on the conceptual history of sustainability, published in Germany in 2010, had a considerable impact on the discussion and led to numerous invitations to lecture at universities and civil society groups.
The seminar is open to the public. Registration is required no later than 19 February, 2014.