With its unending list of events, The Academy of Natural Sciences does a great job educating Philadelphia’s public on, well, the natural sciences. One of the academy’s greatest vehicles for carrying out this mission is its Town Square series, tagline: Science for Citizens. The Town Squares run in a variety of formats (lectures, debates, workshops, panels, etc.) all with the common purpose of creating a dialogue between experts, policy makers and the public.
Check out list of April’s Town Square events after the jump.
April 7
Global Sustainable Investment: The Emerging Economic Powers
“Join us as we continue to consider the ways investments can shape the world. Our speakers will be looking at how socially responsible investments are being pursued in growing economic powerhouses like Brazil, India, and China. Also learn about the upcoming World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, with its theme “Better City, Better Life.” Pennsylvania will be a major participant in this exciting event to promote the common wish of humankind for better living in future urban environments.”
April 13
“Join us for a discussion about the rapid loss of species and ecosystems like rainforests and coral reefs around the world. Learn what we can do to help halt species loss and work toward conservation of natural resources. Find out about life-saving medicines derived from natural compounds that are used to treat cancer and other diseases. Learn about ongoing efforts to protect our most threatened ecosystems and promote sustainable development, and how the United States can be a leader in international conservation.”
April 20
Marcellus Shale: The Science and the Policy
“The Marcellus Shale is a geological feature a mile underground that runs from West Virginia to New York. Embedded within the shale is one of the largest reserves of natural gas in the world. With new technologies that make it practical to drill these depths, and with ever increasing demands for energy, many people are looking to the Marcellus Shale underneath Pennsylvania as an important resource for the 21st century.
Yet, moves to drill in the Marcellus Shale have raised questions about environmental impacts and effects on the people and places of the region. Join us for a panel discussion with scientists and other experts who will help unravel some of the issues that have come to the forefront as some of the moves to drill get underway. Don’t miss this discussion of one of the most important and complex topics on the horizon for Pennsylvania.”
April 22
Imagining Philadelphia’s Future: The Plans and the Realities
“What does it take to create change (social, political, community, civic) in Philadelphia? Who has the vision, the power, and the resources? What is gained or lost in the process? Join us for a lively discussion of the past, present, and future of city planning, from the days of Edmund Bacon to casinos, the convention center, and the future of I-95.”
