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ANNOUNCING... HART HOUSE SUSTAINED!!
Join in the Journey . . . starting Fall 2007
The current climate crisis is the single most serious issue facing the global community today. When former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore came to Convocation Hall to speak about his Oscar-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, huge numbers of students showed up to hear the message, get motivated and take action. This surge in interest regarding the impacts of climate change has further focused attention on a whole range of environmental concerns. The environment has become an issue that is impossible to ignore for artists, politicians, activists, educators, youth, leaders in the business community and citizens alike.
In answer to this unbridled interest, Hart House is eager and proud to announce its theme for 2007-08:
ECOlogyECOnomy: A Sustainable Dilemma?
Ecology and Economy are powerful forces often purposefully pitted against each other, with citizens told their choice is either one or the other. ECOECO seeks to acknowledge this dynamic, while moving beyond it to raise awareness, passion, action and foster a public dialogue on the myriad of relevant players and issues. One thing that everyone does seem to agree on is that our current path cannot continue to go unchecked, and it is widely understood that we no longer have the luxury of time. Hart House invites debate, discussion, idea sharing, and solution-based initiatives around this controversial but vital issue.
Through a series of wide-ranging and divergent multidisciplinary programs, Hart House will examine and challenge the oppositional nature of ecology and economy. ECOECO invites you to re-think common practices, examine environmental issues, and implement sustainable ways of positively participating in both the environment and the economy.
- Economists, industrialists and corporate citizens take the standpoint that capitalism is a positive and progressive practice, while ecologists argue that universal sustainability hinges on a re-imagination of capitalism as we know it. Where do you stand?
- Can we find a place of balance and respect for both ecology and economy in the 21st century? How?
- What practices can be adopted or new processes created that ensure the environment is self-sustaining and fruitful?
- How can the economy “invest” in environmental issues? - How is a healthy and organic co-existence between the ecology and the economy created?
- What corporate rules of conduct can be drafted and successfully applied to ensure the health of the environment while supporting industry and the economy?
- Are environmental concerns legitimate? At what level is action most effectively taken—should we focus on individual actions, international agreements, government regulations or community responses? What Can You Do?
Hart House invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the City to join in collective conversation and action around what is arguably, the challenge of our lifetime. The physical structure of Hart House, in all its gothic glory, presents its own unique sustainability issues. We are embarking on a new path towards increased environmental responsibility - one which we hope will inspire and educate not only those who work and play here, but also the University and surrounding communities. This is the beginning of an ongoing commitment – one that will remain central in our role as a global citizen, for generations to come.
For more information about ECOlogyECOnomy please visit our website.
If you are interested in becoming a partner, co-sponsoring an event or presenting a programme, please contact Hart House (416) 978-2452.
Take note . . . take action . . . take care . . . it’s just that simple.
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