Conference - Oct 11-12, 2019

Greentopia: ideas, concepts and institutional proposals

Societies need to adjust to environmental change and to new living conditions in the age of climate change and environmental degradation. Instead of mourning the loss of traditional life-styles, this workshop explores forward-looking proposals to redefine the interface of society and nature. The concept of “Greentopia” serves as an umbrella term for innovative proposals that provide ideas and concepts for an eco-friendly social life with nature. The workshop brings together philosophers, social scientists and natural scientists in order to explore Greentopia. It invites visionary proposals, but also distinct ideas, useful concepts and suggestions for helpful institutional innovation.

The workshop is part of the project “New Directions in Plant Ethics,” however is not restricted exclusively to proposals in the context of plant ethics.

This conference marks the ending of the multi-year project “New Directions in Plant Ethics,” which we celebrate by bringing together thinkers from various fields. Together we intend to open our perspectives for the future, inspiring new cooperation possibilities across borders and connecting researchers in budding networks -- encouraging positive development for a better tomorrow.

Keynote Speakers
※ Stephen M. Gardiner (University of Washington)
※ Andreas Hetzel (Stiftung Universität Hildesheim)
※ Wolfgang Palme (HBLFA für Gartenbau Schönbrunn)
※ Tracey Skillington (University College Cork)
※ Paul B. Thompson (Michigan State University)

Organized by the FWF project New Directions in Plant Ethics

→   See Austrian Public Radio Ö1 coverage of the conference: science.orf.at/stories/2993190/   (“Philosophen zur Klimakrise” von Raphael Krapscha ausgestrahlt am 25. Oktober 2019 im Ö1 Mittagsjournal) — listen to the audio file here: Greentopia                   

 →   See blog article on The University of Vienna homepage: blog.univie.ac.at/pflanzen-ethik/

→   See University coverage of the conference:  medienportal.univie.ac.at/uniview/uniblicke/detailansicht/artikel/klimawandel-was-koennen-wir-tun/

→   See interview in Der Standard with Stephen Gardiner that took place at the Greentopia conference