ECOPOLIS Presents: Roman Krznaric (Kortrijk)

About the event

History may be our most undervalued resource for thinking about the future of humanity. The dead outnumber the living fourteen to one, yet how often do we really look to the wisdom of the past for new perspectives on the ecological challenges of our age? In this talk, public philosopher Roman Krznaric explores the possibilities of ‘applied history,’ sharing lessons from the last three millennia of human civilisation. He’ll tackle three fundamental issues: the climate emergency, our addiction to consumer culture and the global water crisis. Taking us on imaginative journeys from devastating famines in ancient China to the slave revolts of the nineteenth century, from commons management in medieval Spain to the economic secrets of preindustrial Japan, Roman will reveal how the forgotten stories of past generations can illuminate new, unexpected pathways for the turbulent decades ahead. 

Context

Ecopolis is an annual gathering of people who think and care about a sustainable future. Because ecological challenges know no national or linguistic borders, Ecopolis is diverse, international, and interactive. At its heart are inspiring books, documentaries and debates between writers, academics and civil society thinkers about ecology, economy and the transition to a better Europe and a more just and sustainable world.  

Speakers

Roman Krznaric is a British-Australian cultural historian and philosopher, founding faculty member of The School of Life, London. Before, he taught at various prominent British universities, was a gardener and worked in human rights programmes in Central America. He also set up the world’s first Empathy Museum and is the author of The Good Ancestor, a book that deals with the world we will be leaving to future generations. 

He will be joined by poet and essayist Frank Keizer, in a conversation moderated by journalist and podcaster Dirk Vandenberghe.  

Practicalities

When: Saturday, October 1st (20:15 – 22:00) 

Where: Budascoop, Kapucijnenstraat 10, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium 

Language: English 

Tickets: Please purchase your tickets in advance via this link. Ecopolis employs a “pay as you can” principle.  

Related Events 

This year, Ecopolis goes beyond one date and one location! Find out more about the programme in Brussels here.  

This event is organised by the Green European Foundation and Oikos, with the support of various partners and with financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation.