Interview with Ursula Heise, winner of the 6th Biophilia Award

Professor Ursula K. Heise receives the BBVA Foundation’s 6th Biophilia Award for pushing forward the formation and implementation of the field of Environmental Humanities at a global scale.

00:09 How would you define environmental humanities and why do you think this multidisciplinary field of research is so important to confront the current today's environmental crisis?
02:10 How was your own interest in the environmental humanities born? What led you to become interested in this field?
04:36 The Biophilia Award committee has highlighted the importance of your concept of “eco-cosmopolitanism”. What do you mean by this term and what does it illuminate about the cultural dimension of contemporary environmentalist movements?
09:37 Why is it so important to take into account the social, historical and cultural distinctiveness of a particular country or region in order to successfully implement environmental actions and campaigns?
12:57 The committee has also highlighted the relevance of your work on the cultural meanings of endangered species. What has your research revealed about the role of culture in biodiversity conservation? In what ways does environmental science and actions reflect the cultural biases of society?
19:31 Another important concept in your work in this field is “multispecies justice.” How do you define this term and its relevance to confront the biodiversity crisis?
24:14 The committee has also highlighted your leading role in the development of a wide international network of environmental humanities scholars. Could you tell us about this multicultural aspect of your work and why you think it is important?
26:51 What can the study of science fiction illuminate about the cultural dimension of the current environmental crisis? What can we learn from authors in this genre and the different future scenarios they imagine with regard to humanity's relation with the environment?
31:54 On the basis of your perspective as an environmental thinker from the perspective of the humanities, are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future of life on our planet?
37:32 What does the reception of the Biophilia Award mean to you?

Check out her conference at the awards ceremony: https://www.biophilia-fbbva.es/en/eve...

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