11th Annual Conference of the International Environment Forum: Responding to Climate Change: Scientific Realities, Spiritual Imperatives (Ottawa, October 2007)
ANNOUNCEMENT 11TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FORUM Responding to Climate Change: Scientific Realities, Spiritual Imperatives. A conference exploring the relationship between ethical and spiritual principles and the practical actions of individuals and communities facing global environmental change Volunteer Place Bénévoles, 330 Gilmour St. (at Bank) Ottawa, ON Canada, 12-14 October 2007 Co-organized by the Bahá’í Community of Canada and the International Environment Forum. OBJECTIVES. Participants will gain a better understanding of the social, environmental and economic implications of climate change, the spiritual principles and ethical considerations that should shape and guide strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change; and the role of faith communities in responding to the challenges presented by climate change. TENTATIVE PROGRAM OUTLINE Friday (1:00- 5:00 pm) An introduction to the effects and impact of climate change on culture, people, and livelihoods. An examination of the impact of climate change on the Arctic region (a case study) An exploration of the ethical dimensions of climate change Saturday (9:00 – 5:00 pm) Multi-media presentation on An Inconvenient Truth, with added emphasis on Canada An exploration of some strategies by faith communities and NGOs dealing with climate change, highlighting the ethical issues addressed and identified through action. An examination of what is being learned, and how to develop both value-based approaches and the moral capability to address the ethical dimensions of climate change. Saturday Evening (7:30 – 9:00 pm) An artistic program and inter-faith celebration on the environment, co-organized with Faith and the Common Good, and featuring the annual “Green Sacred Space” awards ceremony. Admission to this event is free and open to the public. Sunday Morning (9:00 – 1:00 pm) International Environment Forum (IEF) General Assembly annual meeting Workshop: Focus on sharing ideas and developing systematic action plans that individuals and communities can initiate. What ideas can we bring back home? How can we integrate sustainability issues into community activities? SPEAKERS (CONFIRMED): - Peter Adriance, NGO Liaison, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. - Diana Cartwright, Advisor on Sustainable Development, Bahá’í Community of Canada - Arthur Dahl, Coordinator of the UNEP/University of Geneva Environmental Diplomacy Programme, Switzerland; President, International Environment Forum - Heather Eaton, Associate Professor, Feminist Theology; Ecology; Contemporary Theology and Spirituality, St. Paul’s University - Michael Gerbis, CEO, The Delphi Group - Sylvia Karlsson, Finland Futures Research Institute, University of Turku, Tampere, Finland. Associate Member of the Club of Rome, and Secretary-General of the IEF - Gordon Naylor, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada - Tahirih Naylor, Representative to the United Nations, Bahá’í International Community - Beatrice Olivastri, CEO, Friends of the Earth Canada - Louise Profeit-Leblanc, Aboriginal Arts Coordinator, Canada Arts Council - Victoria Thoresen, Ass. Professor, Education, Hedmark University College, Norway, Project Manager, Consumer Citizenship Network - Marty Quinn, Founder and Researcher, Design Rythmics Sonification Research Lab; software creator, The Climate Symphony. A simultaneous electronic conference is planned for participants from around the world who either cannot attend physically or choose not to travel to Ottawa in order to reduce their environmental impact. Conference Flyer.