Mark your calendars and your syllabi for Conversations on Europe! This series of moderated hybrid roundtables bring together experts with diverse perspectives to discuss contemporary issues facing Europe and the Transatlantic Relationship.
This academic year, our Conversations on Europe will focus on European Sustainability.
As reported by the UN, 83% of the global population wants their governments to take stronger action on climate change. And in response to this desire, the European Union seeks to lead the way in fostering sustainability and climate responses. Hallmarks of initiatives like the European Green Deal, the EU Climate Law, and the Net-Zero Industry Act, are a commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050; cutting 55% of net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030; and planting 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030.
Will Europe achieve its goals? Do these initiatives respond sufficiently to the European citizens’ concerns? What lessons can we learn for our own considerations of sustainable development?
Join the conversation each month with our invited academics, activists, and policy makers. And let’s think about what works together.
Hybrid Format
Tuesdays from 12:30 PM- 2:00 PM ET
4217 Posvar (In Person)
Use link to participate virtually.
Spring 2025
Tuesday, April 8 I Developmental Aid and Renewables I Registration
For previous Conversations on Europe, please visit our YouTube Channel: European Studies Center at Pitt or visit our archive collection.
- Cancelled: Tuesday, January 14 I EVs and Green Disruptions to the Auto Industry
- Cancelled: Tuesday, February 11 I Innovation in the European Energy Transition
- Cancelled: Tuesday, March 11 I Rewilding, Preservation: Successes and Challenges
2024 Recorded Sessions:
- Conversations on Europe: Economics of Climate Change
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Originally on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Join us for a critical discussion on the Economics of Climate Change. This panel will explore various European approaches to sustainability, including growth vs. degrowth and clean investment vs. circular consumption. Panelists include Phoebe Koundouri from the University of Cambridge, Max Koch from the University of Lund, and Masa Ocvirk from the Global Europe Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Discover Transatlantic insights on the best economic practices for climate response!
Moderator:
- Randall Halle, University of Pittsburgh
Panelists:
- Phoebe Koundouri, University of Cambridge
- Max Koch, University of Lund
- Maša Ocvirk, Global Europe Program, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
- Civil Society Initiatives and the Judicial System
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Dive into the pressing issues surrounding the criminalization of climate activists with our distinguished panel. Legal scholar Veronica Federico, Attorney Gaëlle Cognet, and Swiss Climate Activist Elisabeth Stern will discuss their experiences and challenges in the courtroom. This session will be moderated by Randall Halle from the University of Pittsburgh. Don't miss this critical discussion on civil rights and environmental activism!
Moderator:
- Randall Halle, University of Pittsburgh
Panelists:
- Gaëlle Cognet, Ashurst LLP
- Veronica Federico, University of Florence
- Elisabeth Stern, Klima Seniorinnen
- The History of Environmentalism: Right, Left, Center
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Moderator: Randall Halle, University of Pittsburgh
Panelists:
- Iza Ding, Northwestern University of Michigan
- Patrick Manning, University of Pittsburgh
- Stephen Milder, Rachel Carson Center in Munich