From the Caves at Lascaux to the Cusp of Collapse - Ecology and Economics

Tuesdays 4 May to 22 June | 7.30 – 9pm | €80 | 20% discount for Cultivate Members | To book call: 01 6745773 | Cultivate at The Greenhouse, St Andrew St, D2

We find ourselves at a truly unique point in human history. We face an array of ecological threats, yet seem unable to reduce or manage them. A battered world economy has probably seen the peak of global energy and food production. Yet our tightly interconnected and globalised civilisation, and the economy which support it require increasing such production to remain functional.

This is a cross-disciplinary course that aims to give a systemic overview of how we got to this point, where we are, and the most likely scenarios in the coming years and decades. The course is anchored in the sciences, but draws upon history, the arts, and participants' own experiences.

At the end of the course we will have a working knowledge of human systems' ecology; human behavioural ecology; the thermodynamics of civilisation; complexity and complex systems; key structures in the economy and monetary system; and myths and stories of our own predicament. From these we will have an insight into the implications of peak energy on economic and financial systems, food security, and climate change. Finally, we ask what all this means here and now, and how we can move from theory to action.

All are welcome, we assume no particular academic knowledge or background. There will be plenty of time for discussion and participation. Detailed notes will be provided.