Mark your Calendars!
Interdisciplinary 101 returns in 2022, featuring the work of Peter Walker, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon. His academic interests include the social and political dimensions of human uses of the physical environment, with a focus on Africa and the American West.
His presentation will feature some of his latest research called: “This Changes Everything: Social Adaptation to Climate-Driven Wildfire Risk in Oregon”
Abstract: Climate-driven changes in wildfire behavior have changed the map of risk and vulnerability, and, in doing so, will force changes in society. We are experiencing catastrophic wildfire events in places and in ways that were not expected. The frequency and severity of such events is likely to increase as the climate continues to rapidly intensify conditions conducive to catastrophic fire. Catastrophic fires, in turn, will force social changes either through disruption of lives and livelihoods; or, preferably, through social changes that reduce risk and vulnerability. This study examines social adaptations to the threat of catastrophic wildfires in fire-prone Oregon and northern California and suggests that there are signs of hope for proactive, locally-based solutions rather than merely reactive disaster responses. Either way, in the words of writer Naomi Klein, this changes everything.
The event will take place in the EMU in room 123, the Lease-Crutcher-Lewis Room, from 10:30 am-12 pm.
Hope to see you there!
