Lopez paves wild road to sustainability

Author: Nathan Zucker

"I'm here for a purpose. I do not feel like I'm passing through. I feel a measure of social responsibility in what I do. Writing is an ethical act," said Barry Lopez, ecological expert and author of the book "Arctic Dreams."

Delivering the 2007 Scott A. Margolin '99 Lecture in Environmental Affairs, "The Wild Road to the Far North," Lopez addressed three important questions: "Who are you? Where did you come from? Why are you here?" The answers to these questions, he asserted, reveal much about our purpose on Earth, as well as offer a way to challenge ourselves to face the impending ecological problems.

Margolin was a courageous student who strived not only to understand, but also to solve, one of mankind's most pressing problems, the ecological crisis. Although Margolin died tragically following his first year at Middlebury, he will be forever remembered by the series of lectures delivered in his name. This year's lecture was cosponsored by the Middlebury College Museum of Art (MCMA), Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, Environmental Studies Program and Environmental Affairs Office, and was part of the programming series "Reflections on a House of One Room," presented in conjunction with the exhibition "Robert Adams: Turning Back, A Photographic Journal of Re-exploration" on view at the MCMA through June 3.

Each year, the Environmental Studies department funds a speaker who addresses various aspects of the tense interaction between humans and their environment. Lopez has dedicated much of his work to the study of how global climate change has affected the polar regions of the Earth. Although part of his lecture was devoted to this topic, the event was mainly a general discussion of how humans can improve their relationship with their planet. Lopez, who spoke for an hour in Mead Chapel on Thursday, was received warmly by a large audience, which was filled with students interested in environmental studies.

In an interesting twist on his theme of environmentalism, Lopez emphasized how important his writing has been in helping him understand the intricacies of man's relationship with the greater community. For Lopez, writing is a way of exploring both moral and personal issues.

Despite the rather general, philosophical nature of Lopez's talk, he did examine more closely several pertinent issues. One such issue was his criticism of the Bush administration's response to global warming, which he called "a repudiation of science." In a more broad censure of American politics, Lopez denounced both the Republicans and the Democrats for their failure to take control of climate change. According to Lopez, man's role in increasing the greenhouse effect has been known since the late 1970s, but no one has ever acted sufficiently on the issue. Lopez emphasized however, that it is not simply the government's problem, but one that must be solved by the general public as well.

In a moment of optimism, he praised American citizens for becoming more knowledgeable and passionate about the issue.

"People know that more than a few dark horsemen are arrayed on the horizon. They don't trust authorities. Call your neighbor has replaced call your congressman," said Lopez.

At the end of the lecture, the audience gathered in Mead Chapel gave Lopez a standing ovation. Several students asked Lopez questions, which ranged from scientific inquiries about population growth to personal questions about the role of reverence in one's life. Overall, there was a sense of satisfaction with Lopez's call to arms; those studying environmental studies were especially impressed.

"I liked how he talked about community and the growing trend towards localization. That will be the solution," remarked Charlie Hofmann '10.

Stone Conroy '10 added, "I wasn't sure what to expect from the lecture. He talked about issues above and beyond environmentalism. He seemed to be emphasizing that human beings have a capacity to do great things. He's asking why we aren't achieving that. Our generation's mission, and our personal mission, is to save the environment."