This talk, delivered by Solis Norton, explores integrating economics and biophysics for a transition plan capable of navigating scarcity.
Economics is currently the single discipline and indeed the only medium used to imagine our transition pathway, but it was developed to facilitate growth. Growth using cheap, abundant resources for a human population well within its planetary carrying capacity. Now, as we adapt to de-growth and environmental change, traditional economics begins to fall short. Accounting for the stocks and flows of the actual physical things available to us must occur in conjunction with economics. Energy in particular. The bean counters and the joule counters must come together to make our transition a success.
This talk will explore why and how. We will attempt to bake a pie. Joules and beans, smushed together, seasoned with common sense, and baked into the next iteration of our transition plan.
About the speaker
Solis’s goal is to bring an understanding of biophysics – energy in particular – to New Zealand’s transition planning and strategic leadership. His PhD is in veterinary epidemiology and he is a member of the International Society for Biophysical Economics, Post Growth Economics Network, and Wise Response group. He is director of the biophysics consultancy Mansford Station.
Zoom
This seminar will also be available to watch remotely via Zoom:
Zoom link for Solis Norton's sustainability seminar
Zoom password: 008743
| Date | Thursday, 1 December 2022 |
|---|---|
| Time | 12:00pm - 1:00pm |
| Audience | Public,Undergraduate students,Postgraduate students,Staff,Alumni |
| Event Category | Humanities |
| Event Type |
Seminar |
| Campus | Dunedin |
| Department | Centre for Sustainability |
| Location | Centre for Sustainability, Toroa Seminar Room, 563 Castle St, Dunedin, and online via Zoom |
| Cost | Free |
| Contact Name | Mary-Jane Campbell or Nicki Topliss |
| Contact Phone | +64 3 479 5220 |
| Contact Email | centre-sustainability@otago.ac.nz |
