Ellie Kahn
Contributing Writer
As the world becomes increasingly more aware of the devastating effects of climate change, fully comprehending the effects on the environment, as well as the large role that we as a society have played within these changes can be a challenge. Fortunately, those seeking to do so through an academic lens have the opportunity to attend the Great Decisions Lecture Series, which will take place at the College starting in early February.
The Great Decisions Lecture Series is an annual collaboration between the College and residents of Wayne County, who work closely together to choose a theme for the Series, and then to cultivate a diverse program consisting of renowned national speakers. The first Lecture Series took place at the College in 1981, and has since been an annual highlight of each spring semester. Past themes have included the 2016 Presidential Election, International Affairs and “China’s Power and Influence.”
This year, the theme of the Series is “Environmental Challenges to the Global Community,” which will feature five speakers throughout the semester, starting with a lecture on Feb. 2, and closing with one on Mar. 30.
The first installment of the Lecture Series was a presentation by Robert Musil, the president and CEO of the Rachel Carson Council, an organization dedicated to advocating for and sustaining the environment. Musil’s presentation took place Thursday, Feb. 2, and was entitled “Another Silent Spring? The Continuing Relevance of Rachel Carson’s Ecological Vision.”
The next installment in the Series will take place on Thursday, Feb. 9, and will consist of a screening of “The Age of Consequences,” a 2016 film which explores the devastating effects of climate change in relation to global stability and national security. The screening will take place at 7 p.m. in Gault Recital Hall inside Scheide Music Center, and is free and open to the public.
Following the screening, there will be a luncheon held on Friday, Feb. 10 in Kittredge Dining Hall from 11:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. with Jared Scott, the writer, director and producer of the film. The luncheon will include a lecture by Scott, appropriately titled “Solutions to Climate Change in the Age of Consequences.” In order to attend this catered Middle Eastern meal, students must RSVP to Professor Angie Bos of the Political Science Department by Monday, Feb. 6 at noon; the cost for the luncheon is one meal swipe.
The final installments of the Great Decisions Lecture Series include lectures by Jeff Hoffman, the founder and CEO of Priceline.com and activist and political analyst Raj Patel, ultimately concluding with a presentation by Spencer Abraham, who served as the U.S. Secretary of Energy under President George W. Bush until 2005.
Professor Angie Bos has served as the executive director of the Lecture Series for the past three years, working together with a committee of students and faculty from the College, as well as members of the Wayne County community to plan and publicize these exciting lectures.
“Our goal is to bring Wayne County residents and members of the College community together to hear national speakers related to issues of importance in global affairs […] Personally, I think Great Decisions is one of the best things the College participates in with the local community. Our events are well-attended by folks on and off-campus — which creates a real opportunity for dialogue and understanding on important political issues,” said Bos.
More information on the Great Decision Lecture Series, as well as the complete program for the upcoming events can be found by accessing greatdecisionswayne.com, by emailing info@greatdecisionswayne.com or by contacting Bos (ABos@wooster.edu).