How can New Zealand respond to ecological overshoot?
A Panel Discussion organised by Wise Response
When: 09:30 – 11:30 on 21 July 2023
Where: Room GBLT 4, Victoria University of Wellington or online: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/92250866363
Panelists: Maria Bargh, Alison Dewes, Barry Ridler, Peter Victor
Earth is in overshoot. The cumulative impact of 8 billion humans, relentlessly pursuing economic growth, has stressed the planet beyond its limits. The symptoms include climate change, the biodiversity crisis, food and freshwater shortages. We can either do nothing and wait for the ‘crash landing’ or do something now to prevent an all-out crash.
Many New Zealanders are already doing their bit. Joining the panel discussion are a farmer and a farm management specialist, who are working on ways that lowering inputs (such as energy and fertilizer) can actually increase economic benefits. Another important strand in the discussion is how cultural factors, including migration and colonisation, have been important in how New Zealand got to where we are now. Cultural factors are also critical in solving our current problems and finding a more sustainable way to live.
This panel discussion will range from the wider picture of problems caused by economic growth, in New Zealand and internationally, to local, personal solutions.
