Lecture series to highlight unconventional environmental solutions

CONTACT:

Shradhha Sharma; SFU Media Relations, 778.782.3035, shradhha_sharma@sfu.ca

Mark Jaccard, School of Resource and Environmental Management, 778.789.0852 (cell), jaccard@sfu.ca (Available this week and next. Jaccard is also fluent in French.)
 
Lecture series to highlight unconventional environmental solutions

Researchers from Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Environment (FENV) will share their expertise—from sustainable clam management and climate strategies to neighborhood ‘red zones’ and the state of global fisheries—as part of the 2020 Dean’s Lecture Series: From Environmental Research to Public Solutions. The series runs from Feb. 6 to March 12 at SFU’s Harbour Centre campus in Vancouver.

The inaugural lecture by SFU Archaeology Professor Dana Lepofsky (Feb. 6) will focus on how knowledge shared by Indigenous knowledge keeper Kwaxsistalla Wathl’thla Chief Adam Dick led to a wave of research about clam gardens.

SFU professor Mark Jaccard (Feb. 11) will discuss his new book, The Citizen’s Guide to Climate Success. Jaccard is also available for media to talk about the book as well as his role in the newly-established Canadian Institute for Climate Choices.

Royal Society of Canada (RSC) fellow Nick Blomley (Feb. 20) will talk about the impact of bail-related spatial restrictions on marginalized people, while fellow RSC member, Anne Salomon (March 12) will share research that weaves together western science and Indigenous knowledge to create ecologically safe and socially just fisheries.

“The 2020 Dean’s Lecture series showcases research-informed solutions to real-world problems,” says Naomi Krogman, dean of the Faculty of Environment. “Solutions emerge by integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines, cultures and practices.”

The event highlights the work of faculty, alumni and community partners, who have collaborated to bring about change at the individual, organizational and political levels.

SFU faculty and distinguished community members will share insights into the use of unconventional tools to uncover solutions to some of society’s most pressing social and ecological issues.

WHAT/WHEN:

The New Power Couple: Traditional Ecological Knowledge & Western Science Unite to Inform Sustainable Management of Clams
Thursday, February 6, 2020, 7 pm
• Dana Lepofsky, archaeologist, ethnobiologist and SFU professor
• Q̌íx̌itasu Yímazalas Elroy White, Heiltsuk Nation and SFU alumnus
• Oqwilowgwa Kim Recalma-Clutesi, Qualicum Nation

Climate Emergency: The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success
Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 7 pm
• Mark Jaccard, SFU professor
• Matt Horne, climate policy manager, City of Vancouver

How Red Zones Punish the Poor, Generate Crime, and Break the Law
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:00pm
• Nicholas Blomley, SFU professor
• Ann Livingston, community activist and co-founder, Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users

Navigating Towards Ecologically Safe and Socially Just Fisheries
Thursday, March 12, 2020, 7:00pm
• Anne Salomon, coastal marine ecologist and SFU professor
• Kii’iljuus Barbara J. Wilson, scholar, educator and elected representative, Council of the Haida Nation
• Daniel Pauly, coastal marine ecologist and policy expert, UBC professor
 
WHERE:

• Room 1900, SFU Harbour Centre
• 515 West Hastings, Vancouver
• All lectures are free and open to the public. Reservations recommended.

About Simon Fraser University:

As Canada’s engaged university, SFU works with communities, organizations and partners to create, share and embrace knowledge that improves life and generates real change. We deliver a world-class education with lifelong value that shapes change-makers, visionaries and problem-solvers. We connect research and innovation to entrepreneurship and industry to deliver sustainable, relevant solutions to today’s problems. With campuses in British Columbia’s three largest cities – Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey – SFU has eight faculties that deliver 193 undergraduate degree programs and 127 graduate degree programs to more than 35,000 students. The university now boasts more than 160,000 alumni residing in 143 countries.