Dr. Arun Agrawal, Pulte Family Professor in the Keough School of Global Affairs at The University of Notre Dame and elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Science

Auburn University’s Weaver Lecture Series will present a talk by Arun Agrawal, the Pulte Family Professor in the Keough School of Global Affairs at The University of Notre Dame and elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Science, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. 

Drawing upon three years of work by more than 80 scientists from 30 countries, Agrawal’s lecture titled “Transformative Change and Global Sustainability” will define and characterize transformative change and examine the role of visions, scenarios and action theories in achieving it. It will also assess some of the most promising strategies and options that may lead to transformative change for achieving the vision of the 2050 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Recently, Agrawal became the founding director of the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative in the Keough School of Global Affairs, a university-wide strategic initiative that will coordinate and amplify sustainability research, education and engagement efforts across Notre Dame’s eight academic units, centers, institutes and programs. 

As a leading researcher, Agrawal investigates the political economy of resource governance and development with a particular focus on commons and commoning. His recent research interests concern the relationship of climate change with health and conflict, and his teaching interests focus upon social action and change. 

“As the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sociopolitical division accelerate, both researchers and policymakers are urging the need for transformative change,” said Janaki Alavalapati, the Emmett F. Thompson Dean of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE). 

“We are honored and excited to learn more about Dr. Agrawal’s groundbreaking theories that may illuminate the path toward meaningful change in the pursuit of global sustainability, particularly in efforts to halt the devastating loss of biodiversity and the degradation of our natural world.” 

The Weaver Lecture Series was established in May 1996 through an endowment provided by Earl H. and Sandra H. Weaver. The series brings experts in various research areas relevant to forestry, wildlife and the environment to the Auburn campus to enhance the college’s academic programs through public lectures and interaction with faculty and students. 

Agrawal is hosted by CFWE’s Solon & Martha Dixon Endowed Professor Li An, who is a professor of landscape ecology, spatial modeling and simulation and geographical information science. 

The lecture is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at the Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building at Auburn University. Refreshments will be available at 1:30 p.m., and a reception will be held after the lecture at 3 p.m.  Pre-registration is not required for attendance.