At our January event, we will take a closer look at the current state of Estonian nature and environment; whether climate change is a threat to Estonia and what impact does Estonia have on global climate change.
Are the large infrastructure projects threatening the Estonian natural ecosystem? If Estonia is the 4th most forested country in Europe, why should we worry about losing forest? Why is Estonia the second largest emitter of CO2 per capita in the European Union? How does global climate change affect Estonia? What impact does Estonia have on global climate change? Why are Estonians the most sceptical nation in the EU with regards to climate change?
While the World Health Organisation has ranked Estonia as one of the countries with the cleanest air in the world and the European Food Safety Authority study in 2017 rated the country with the second cleanest food in Europe, Estonia generates a whopping 35 times the EU average in hazardous waste per capita.
Within last few years, there have been many debates regarding large infrastructure projects, clearcut logging, fur farming etc. – where the entrepreneurs, public sector and environmental activists do not find common ground. Where is Estonia heading to when it comes to environment?
The evening will start with presentations by Mattias Turovski, Joonas Plaan, Mihkel Kangur and Grete Arro.
Mattias Turovski will give an overview of global climate change and its causes.
Joonas Plaan will talk about the potential cultural and social effects that climate change could have on Estonia.
Mihkel Kangur will give an overview of the current state of Estonian nature and environment.
Grete Arro will talk about the aspects that impact and influence environmental behaviour.
The evening will continue with a panel discussion between all the presenters and the audience.
Mihkel Kangur is an Estonian ecologist who is currently an associate professor of sustainable development at the Tallinn University Institute for Ecology. In recent years he has focused on sustainable and development-related education. He has been president of the Estonian Geographic Society since 2009 and in this capacity has also taken an active stance on the issue of the Rail Baltica infrastructure project.
Grete Arro is an educational psychologist, working as a researcher in Tallinn University. Her main research and teaching focus are different aspects of learning; her side-interest is environmental psychology and pro-environmental behavior.
Mattias Turovski is an environmental educator from Tallinn. Mattias has given lectures on environmental ethics in the Tallinn University and Tallinn University of Applied Science. He is also a member of the animal advocacy NGO, MTÜ Loomus. Currently, Mattias is carrying out an educational programme via NGO Zoosemu, introducing live exotic insects to kindergartens and school children, with the aim of acquainting them with small animals and explaining the ecological principles that govern their lives.
Joonas Plaan is an environmental anthropologist, studying the nature and experience of climate change on human cultures. He has conducted research among coastal fishermen in Kihnu island, Estonia, and Newfoundland, Canada. While as an anthropologist, his work has concentrated on local communities, the study has shown how global climate change runs through individuals and communities, international trade networks and intergovernmental agreements, affecting not only the environment and ecosystem but also local culture and social structures.
As always, we encourage our visitors to express their opinions and experiences as well!
The event will be moderated by Silver Tambur, the editor-in-chief of Estonian World, Estonia’s most engaging English-language online magazine.
Doors and bar will be opened at 18:30.
Tickets: 2-5 euros (CASH)
