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(Wolfville,
NS) - The Arthur Irving Academy for the
Environment at Acadia University will host the first Greening of
Industry Network (GIN) Conference in Atlantic Canada, October 20-22.
The international conference will examine the intertwined issues of
energy, agriculture, and finance. Discussions will include: current
challenges and successes within these sectors in creating a
sustainable regional environment and economy; how these sectors
impact and influence one another and society at large; and how to
manage future challenges within these sectors so as to create the
type of economy, environment, and society that will allow future
generations of citizens to meet their needs.
These issues are
particularly relevant to Nova Scotia and the other Maritime
Provinces. The Maritime Provinces have a strong economic dependence
on the land and sea. As a region highly dependent upon the energy
sector for transportation of food and products, what are the
potential outcomes as energy prices continue to rise? What types of
investments make sense with respect to these realities? The GIN
Conference will facilitate open discussion on this and related
development issues affecting the Maritime Provinces and the Eastern
seaboard.
“Local businesses need
to begin to think about their own sustainability. What do increasing
energy costs mean to businesses in this region, how can they
maintain competitiveness and be responsible users of energy
resources,” said conference chair Dr. Edith Callaghan, Business
professor and council member of the Arthur Irving Academy for the
Environment. “The conference is not just about the environment, we
will also look at community sustainability and economic vibrancy.
Our approach is to go beyond traditional silos and look at
sustainable development from different perspectives, facilitating
discussion and providing networking opportunities for people dealing
with similar issues.”
Global shifts in
industrial governments, trade, and technology are creating
significant environmental and social impacts, and inequities around
the world. Major changes in production and consumption systems are
required in order to meet the needs of a growing world population,
while using environmental resources in a sustainable manner. To
address this change, broad, social engagement is required. The GIN
conference will provide delegates with a forum to develop a
blueprint for change, strategies for regional sustainable
development and competitiveness in a global economy.
“Sustainable
development, particularly at the local level, is imperative. It
strengthens our local economy, improves and protects the quality of
the environment and enhances our quality of life and the well-being
of all the people in our community,” said Dr. Callaghan. “As our
community's environment, economy and quality of life grow stronger,
so does our future. That’s because sustainable development produces
long lasting benefits, not just today, but for future generations.
Sustainable development projects can offer real benefits in the
short term, too. They create jobs. They lower operating costs for
homes, businesses and taxpayers. They make our community a more
attractive place to live and do business.”
The conference, which
starts on the afternoon of October 20th, with a welcoming reception,
and tours of the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre and
Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens, will feature a roster of
international guest speakers from the private business sector,
government and non-government organizations.
“The vision of the
Greening of Industry Network is to create new sustainable
development concepts that work across disciplines, nations, and
sectors. The Arthur Irving Academy for the Environment was a natural
choice for hosting the conference with its cross network of
academics, from all disciplines, working to solve a wide variety of
environmental issues,” said Kurt Fischer, GIN Americas Coordinator.
“In addition, Acadia’s community involvement and action projects,
such as Dr. Callaghan with the Centre for Rural Sustainability and
Dr. Graham Daborn with the Centre for Estuarine Research,
demonstrate the best of university-community partnerships.”
To learn more about
the Greening of Industry Network Conference at Acadia University, or
to register visit
http://www.acadiau.ca/academy/2005GIN/GIN2005Index.html
The Greening of
Industry Network is an international association of researchers,
business leaders, activists, and policy makers dedicated to building
a sustainable future. Through linked conferences, publications and
communications, the Network creates new relationships, visions, and
practices for sustainability. The GIN conferences, 23 events in 12
countries around the world since 1991, comprise a unique experience
and record of bringing people and the issues together for a big
perspective on sustainable development, forging productive
connections among research, policy, and practice.
For more information visit
http://www.greeningofindustry.org/
The Arthur Irving
Academy for the Environment supports a diverse, trans-disciplinary
program of scholarly activity, education, and community activities,
focused on environmental issues of local, national, and
international scope. For more information visit
http://www.acadiau.ca/academy/index.html
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