Far beyond merely molecules of carbon in the atmosphere, climate change is an issue defined by competing ideas of fairness and justice.
David Ciplet, assistant professor of environmental studies, will explore this issue through a lecture titled “Justice in a Warming World” from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building, Butcher Auditorium. The free, public presentation is part of CU on the Weekend, which features some of CU Boulder’s most accomplished and dynamic faculty.
“Systems of inequality are at the root of inaction on climate change,” said Ciplet, a sociologist who focuses on the global political economy, environmental inequality and climate justice. “We need to conceive of a more socially just path toward a green economy and how we can realize this vision.”
From negotiating the halls of the United Nations to community center meeting rooms, Ciplet has used participatory qualitative research methods to explore processes of power and social change in climate change, energy and adaptation politics. A book he wrote with Timmons Roberts and Mizan Khan titled Power in a Warming World: The New Global Politics of Climate Change and the Remaking of Environmental Inequality explores the inequitable and scientifically inadequate international response to climate change and what is needed to shift course.
Ciplet is also a founding member of CU Boulder's Just Transition Collaborative, created this fall with support from a CU Boulder Outreach Award to work closely with local communities to ensure a socially-just transition to affordable and clean energy.
Seating for the lecture is limited to the first 200 people, and doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Advanced registration is not required.
Email weekend@colorado.edu to receive reminders about upcoming lectures.
