As part of the PyGyWG 'GEOGRAPHY MATTERS' themed sessions...
we issue the following call for papers:
GEOGRAPHY, RESPONSIBILITY AND THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH
Session Convenors: Sophie Wynne-Jones and Kelvin Mason (Aberystwyth
University)
In light of the increasingly pressing debate about the effects and
implications of global climate change, this session raises the question of
how geographers are participating in both debate and, perhaps more
significantly, actions - to address this impending crisis. We hope to
consider the role of geographers in their academic life, as global and
community activists, and as people, whose everyday choices and lifestyles
implicate the shape of our global future. To reflect these sometimes
disparate aspects of our lives, and their associated responsibilities, we
suggest the session focuses upon the following themes:
1. How geographers contribute, as professionals, within the institutional
setting of the university; through, for example, research and teaching
that is directly or indirectly associated with climate change. What type
of research is being done and how does this research contribute to further
both action and debate? To what extent does current teaching reflect, and
allow the student community to develop debate around, these issues?
2. What else are geographers doing, as a direct response to climate
change, within the university setting? Are they involved in environmental
auditing of, for example, university related transport, the energy
consumption in university buildings? To what extent are geographers a
voice for more responsible action within the university more widely and,
even creating links and support networks for associated community actions?
3. What do we do outside our day jobs? Are we activists? Do we bring our
activism to work? What do we do on a day to day basis – as everyday
citizens- to effect wider change or simply to relieve our conscience?
As a summary to these themes, on what we are doing, we would also like to
consider what we could – and perhaps should – be doing.
PLEASE SEND ABSTRACTS TO [log in to unmask] BY FEB' 7TH
It is suggested that papers could be kept short to allow for plenty of
discussion and if people wish to air shorter accounts of actions, ideas or
problems that they are grappling with, these will also be welcomed.
|