Crows solve puzzles. Bees exhibit playful behavior. Whales have a complex language. We make one mind-boggling discovery about animals after the other, but at the same time biodiversity in our polluted ecosystems is declining rapidly. In the Netherlands almost half of all species are so-called under pressure. If we continue like this, the only animals living on earth will be encountered in pig and chicken pens. How do we stop this decline? How do we bring back wildlife? And how do we ensure that animals can lead a good life? Tegenlicht listens to nature throughout the month of April and shines its light on scientists who use artificial intelligence to decipher animal languages, ethicists who try to map animal suffering, lawyers who want to turn ecosystems into legal entities and architects who design for animals. Why go to Mars when there is so much more intelligent life to discover on Earth?
Sustainalab: Voice of nature (eng)
Join the conversation about the Backlight broadcast 'Voice of Nature'.
11
mei
programme
With the help of Artificial Intelligence we learn more and more about the way animals behave, communicate and experience pleasure and pain. What does this mean for the way we interact with animals? Should we give animals a voice in our decision making and if so, how can we do that?
The future affairs platform VPRO Tegenlicht highlights the intelligence of animals this month. During the Meet Up we will watch short clips of the documentary ‘Voice of nature’ and discuss the topics above with a line-up of very interesting experts:
- Stephane Kaas, director of the VPRO Tegenlicht documentary ‘Voice of nature’.
- UvA Associate Professor of Sustainability Law Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh will be speaking about the role of law in transitioning to sustainable societies.
- Harpo ‘t Hart (sound-artist and theatre maker) is curator for the Embassy of the North Sea, giving voice to the things, plants and animals in and around the North Sea.
- UvA professor Judy Shamoun Baranes researches birds with a strong emphasis on flight behaviour, using the unique UvA Bird Tracking System.
There will be plenty of room for sharing your questions and insights. So join us on Thursday 11 May, 1200-1400 (including buffet lunch at 1330).
SustainaLab, Matrix ONE, Amsterdam Science Park 301
Register via bart@sustainalab.nl