Why care about conservation? – Prof. Darren Evans

Fri 3 July 2020

The recent Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment estimated that 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction. As ongoing research uncovers the true extent of the ecological crisis around the world, particularly in the context of the impacts of species and habitat loss on human poverty, the news headlines can be so depressing that the subject becomes a turn off for many. Yet in amongst the stories of loss there are inspiring stories of regeneration and positive change, with nature making a difference in people’s lives, and people valuing and nurturing their natural environment (for example, the Conservation Optimism movement). In the context of nature conservation, we find a surprisingly positive contemporary dialogue where Faith and Science speak to each other in a joint quest to tell a better story about the environment. In this talk, I will provide a brief scientific overview of the state of the planet before focussing on some conservation success stories that enrich both human and non-human life. I explore what motivates conservationists (i.e. numerous deeply held beliefs) and the novel ways in they engage with disinterested societies. I chart the response of the global church to the ecological crisis and its influence on environmental ethics and conclude by considering some practical initiatives that can be undertaken, both individually and collectively to improve the places where we live.

Visit faraday.institute/TellingABetterStory

Cost: Free