The Future of Environmental Activism

The Future of Environmental Activism

Interdisciplinary Research Symposium

Murdoch University, 27 September 2018

This symposium brings together researchers from a variety of disciplines (Law, Philosophy, Public Policy, Science, Education, Cultural Studies, and Architecture) and environmental activists to reflect on the historical and contemporary practice of environmental activism as well as envisaging future forms of civic engagement. ‘Environment’ is not understood narrowly as meaning ‘natural landscapes, animals and plants’, but is seen to include the constructed or human-made environment, too. The aim of the workshop is to rethink civic engagement and environmentalism.

Topics include:

• What can we learn about successful environmental activism from the past?
• Do new technologies change the way we (ought to) engage politically?
• What do the new anti-protest laws in Australia mean for environmental activism?
• Can the private sector ever be a true pioneer of environmentalism?
• When is civil disobedience justified or even ethically required?
• What role does art play in activism?

Confirmed speakers:

• Dr Catherine Baudains, Environmental Education (Murdoch)
• Dr Stephen Bennetts, Anthropology (UCL)
• Dr Martin Brueckner, Sustainability and Public Policy (Murdoch)
• Prof Marnie Campbell, Environmental Science (Murdoch)
• Dr Nandi Chinna, Artist
• Declan Doherty (Environmental Defender’s Office WA)
• Dr Jo Goodie, Law (Murdoch)
• Prof Toby Miller, Cultural Studies (Loughborough, Universidad del Norte, Murdoch, University of California Riverside)
• Dr Anne Schwenkenbecher, Philosophy (Murdoch)
• Prof Bill Taylor, Architecture (UWA)
• Katharina Wolf (Curtin University)

The symposium is hosted by The Centre of Responsible Citizenship and Sustainability at Murdoch University in collaboration with the School of Business and Governance, the School of Arts, and the School of Law.

To register, please email

[email protected]