Author, journalist and environmental activist Mark Lynas will present the free public lecture “Why Is It Hard To Pivot Based On Science? Managing The Tension Between Personal Conviction And Scientific Evidence” at 2:15 p.m. Sept. 26 at Palmer Commons.
His lecture is part of the Bernstein Symposium program, hosted by the Risk Science Center at the School of Public Health. The symposium, 2-4 p.m. Sept. 26, is expected to sell out, so participants are encouraged to register early at www.umriskcenter.org, by Sept. 20.
Once called a leading voice for the Anti-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) movement, Lynas, a visiting research associate at Oxford University, has dramatically and publically reversed his position on biotechnology and food — based on scientific evidence over the past two years. He will be discussing the challenges of shifting positions in the light of scientific evidence, and the importance of being willing to move with the evidence, even when it conflicts with long-held convictions.
Lynas recently published “The God Species: How Can The Planet Survive the Age of Humans?” Following the presentation, he will be joined by a panel of experts to discuss pivoting based on science across a range of high profile issues such as climate change, hydrofracking, and genetically modified foods. The discussion will be moderated by Andrew Maynard, director of the Risk Science Center and National Science Foundation international chair of environmental health sciences.
Panelists include Andrew Hoffman, professor of sustainable enterprise and director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise. To register, go to www.umriskcenter.org.
