The Trent University Political Studies Department presented “Political Studies Research Day 2011: Canada, Global Warming, and the Political Economy of Fossil-Fuel Dependence” in the Benedict Gathering Space in Peter Gzowski College on Tuesday, March 22, which coincided with UN World Water Day celebrations.

The event featured a keynote address and a panel discussion of environmental leaders and researchers, each focusing on a different aspect of ecological awareness and action in our society.

Dr. Tom Jackson, Trent’s chancellor gave a welcome address and acknowledged the presence of esteemed international guests including the Dutch consul-general Mr. Airie Pleiger, who happened to be on campus for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster and the Regional Development Agency East Netherlands (Oost NV), formally acknowledging a collaborative research partnership in the green economy and sustainablity.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate UN World Water Day,” said Chancellor Jackson.

The panel discussion began with a series of lectures from participants.

Dr. Robert Paehlke, Trent professor emeritus in Environmental and Resource Science/Studies, opened the series with a talk on "Why Canada Opts for Inaction on Climate Change.”

Dr. Paehlke’s wide-ranging explanation of Canadian “climate injustice” touched on the effects of provincial environmental regulatory jurisdiction, our five-party system of government, and the importance of the tar sands to our national economy.

Jacqueline Medalye, a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at York University, spoke on "Climate Change Adaptation in the Era of Climate Prosperity: The Case of the Canadian Arctic." Ms. Medalye’s research dealt with what she sees as the federal government’s plans for financial gain from the detrimental effects of climate change.

Jo Hayward-Haines, a local political and environmental activist, spoke on “What We Can Do about Climate Change, Now That We Know the Reality.”

Ms. Hayward-Haines spoke eloquently on the need for paradigm shifts in how we view our world and the importance of grassroots collaboration and activism. She congratulated the Trent and Peterborough Community for hosting groups such as Transition Town and Green-Up, and urged further community discussion and action.

Keynote speaker, Anna Zalik wrapped up the event with a talk called "Contesting Landlords, Contested Science: the Offshore and the Hydrocarbon Frontier.”

For Dr. Feyzi Baban, acting chair of Political Studies, the day was a resounding success.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to share ideas and research with peers and it is a great way to introduce both faculty and students to the research that is happening around them. I think we all gain from days like today,” said Professor Baban.

The research panel was co-hosted by Trent’s Centre of Knowledge in the Environment, the programs of which embody Trent’s commitment to the environment and exemplify its interdisciplinary nature. Trent leaders in this Centre focus on the study of the environment through programs and courses in Sustainable Agriculture, Indigenous Environmental Studies, climate change, Aquatic Science, Biomaterials, ecology and conservation biology.