Speaker: Paul Koch
Topic: The Story of Easter Island––A Metaphor for Our Planet.
Time: May 31, 2023 13:30 Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Summary:
After reading Jared Diamond’s famous book Collapse “how societies choose to fail or succeed”, which contains a full chapter on Easter Island, Paul became interested in exploring Easter Island for himself. So in 2007 the Koch family spent a week on Easter Island to see it for themselves. This presentation, based on pictures taken on the trip, acts as both “A Metaphor for Our Planet” and, a travelogue of a very remote and beautiful place on earth. Hopefully having experienced this presentation, you will almost have a feeling that you have been to Easter Island yourself!
Biography:
Attended the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment (UNCED) in Stockholm on behalf of the Canadian YMCA – at Stockholm the main message was one of zero population growth.
After retiring from IBM in 1992, Paul established a small consulting practice called “Sustainable Strategies” where he carried out a number of strategic studies for a variety of clients. In this role he:
- Developed the initial strategy and business plan for EnviroCentre, a key environmental partner of the City of Ottawa – Board Chair 1999-2003.
- On behalf of the Ottawa Transition Board, developed the Environmental Charter for the new City of Ottawa and served as Chair of the City’s Environmental Advisory Committee from 2001-2006.
- In 2006, with the support of the City of Ottawa, established the Ottawa Sustainability Fund (OSF) at the Community Foundation of Ottawa to support community based projects in support of Ottawa’s environmental sustainability.
A Chemical Engineering graduate of the University of Waterloo, he served on the University’s Board of Governors as well as the Dean’s Advisory Council for both the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Environment. In 1998, he was awarded the University of Waterloo, Faculty of Engineering Alumni Achievement Medal for outstanding contributions as a volunteer for the University and for numerous community and National organizations.
re: the discussion near the end of the video
My wife and I watched a very interesting show called “Chimp Empire”. To us it gave a lot of insight into how our often crazy genes/cultures evolved.
I taught University Freshman Easter Island and “Guns, germs and steel” (and Limits to Growth) for 20 years.
Seems not to have moved civilizations needle very much!
I appreciated the pictures of this presentation .