We’re hosting University Professor Ruth DeFries of the department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (E3B) and Chair of Faculty at the Earth Institute, who has graciously agreed to speak to the Society on the topic: “Steps Towards Sustainable Development: Education, Research, and Impact”.

Dr. DeFries’ research and over 100 scientific publications examine human transformation of the landscape and its consequences for climate, biogeochemical cycling, biodiversity, and other ecosystem services that make our planet habitable. She is also actively focused on linking scientific information into policy decisions, and on seeing that new generations of scientists are educated to continue the necessary development of sustainable practices far into the future. Her institutional leadership has led to the creation of innovative Earth Institute programs, and her public advocacy is responsible for advances around the world concerning climate change, food and water insecurity, and nature conservation.

She came to Columbia in 2008 as the Denning Family Professor of Sustainable Development, was then chair of the department of E3B, and co-chair of the undergraduate program in sustainable development. Currently Dr. DeFries is Director of Columbia’s “DeFries’ Lab”, a growing multidisciplinary group that focuses on research that informs policies and decisions towards sustainable resource use, and is also Chair of Faculty at the Earth Institute.

$25 for admission; reception to follow - Registration Required