Fall 2015 EarthTalks:
The Next Century of Conservation
December 7, 2015 at 4:00 pm in 112 Walker Building
This seminar series is sponsored by the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and the
Center for Landscape Dynamics. The series foreshadows the 2016 centennial of the National
Parks Service and will inspire the audience to imagine what energy and environmental
conservation will look like in the next 100 years.
Terry Chapin, Professor Emeritus of Ecology
Department of Biology and Wildlife, Institute of Arctic Biology
University of Alaska Fairbanks
"Conservation Stewardship:
Shaping Pathways of Large-scale
Change in Social-ecological
Systems"
Dr. Chapin is one of the nation’s leading ecologists and is the only Alaskan to hold an appointment to
the National Academy of Sciences. His scientific contributions and leadership have shaped our
fundamental understanding of ecological structures and functions; and his published work has had
such impact that it has been cited by other scientists many thousands of times.
Throughout his career he has served in leadership roles on numerous international, national, regional
and University panels, committees, editorial boards and working groups, thereby influencing the
course of policy in conservation, wildlife, resource and ecosystem management to effect wise
stewardship of our natural environment. His background is in plant physiological ecology and
ecosystem ecology, with current interests in the resilience of social-ecological systems.
Chapin’s research addresses the effects of changes in climate and wildfire on Alaskan ecology and
rural communities. He explores ways that communities and agencies can develop options that
increase sustainability of ecosystems and human communities over the long term despite rapid
climatic and social changes. Through projections of future climate, ecology, and subsistence
resources, his research helps people make more informed choices about options for long-term
sustainability.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact
Debbie Lambert at 814-863-7091 in advance of the seminar.