The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment’s Weaver Lecture Series will proudly present a seminar by Arun Agrawal, the Samuel Trask Dana Professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan. Agrawal, who is an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, will give a talk titled “Transformative Change and Global Sustainability” on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., immediately followed by a reception at 4:30 p.m. at the Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building located at 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, Ala.

Seminar Title: Transformative Change and Global Sustainability
Abstract: As the calamities of climate change, biodiversity loss and sociopolitical polarization gather pace, researchers and decision-makers alike are calling for transformative change. Without transformative change, global sustainability, especially in terms of preventing biodiversity loss and nature’s decline, remains a chimera. Drawing upon three years of work by more than 80 scientists from 30 countries, Agrawal’s talk 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.

Speaker Biography: Arun Agrawal is the Samuel Trask Dana Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He is an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Agrawal’s research focuses broadly on 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. Agrawal’s instructional interests concern social action and change.

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

The lecture is open to the public, and no reservation is necessary to attend. Parking is available on the third and fourth levels of the South Quad Parking Deck located across Duncan Drive from the Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building.