Environment and Resources Sessions at the WorldFuture 2011 Conference

This session will examine the global implications for the future of recent “wild card” events, including: Internet-facilitated, grassroots democracy movements sweeping the Middle East; a string of earthquakes around the Pacific Rim and ring of fire, focusing on Japan and its combined 9.0 earthquake, followed by a tsunami, and nuclear radiation/meltdown dangers.

In this panel discussion about the future of the Arctic, the moderator will guide the session and pose several key questions. After the panel members discuss an array of challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic, the session will open to questions from the session participants.

The New Maritime Arctic: Global Connections

Lawson W. Brigham
distinguished professor of Geography and Arctic Policy
University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska
July 9, 2011 12:45 p.m.–2:15 p.m.

The ARC City is the first Eco-City concept to totally harmonize with nature in a symbiotic pattern. By eliminating the car, sprawling megacities, and long-distance supply lines of food, water, and energy, the ARC City will redefine future habitats and lifestyles.

The Living City Challenge redefines the future of architecture and communities into a radical new low-tech vision that is more integrated with nature and connects people.

Renewable energy resources (wind, solar, and geothermal energy) have become the focus of attention in recent years. Even though they exhibit some very desirable characteristics, such as low carbon emission and mass appeal, it is also true that the implementation of renewable energy sources faces formidable challenges.