On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the Hybrid Lab of TU Berlin opened its doors for a captivating edition of the Hybrid Talks. Under the theme "Nature and Justice," the event promised a profound insight into the impact of climate change on various aspects of life.
The event stood out for its interdisciplinary nature, bringing together representatives from sound art, activism, mineralogy, feminism, law, and politics for a rich dialogue across diverse disciplines. The goal was to challenge preconceived notions about our relationship with nature and advocate for sustainable engagement.
Renowned speakers enriched the event with fascinating contributions. Prof. Dr. Salomé Voegelin provided insights into sound research, Katrin Fritsch from the Green Web Foundation illuminated the intersections of technology, feminism, and climate, while Dr. Johannes Giebel from TU Berlin delved into the world of mineralogy and petrology. Baro Vicenta Ra Gabbert from the Federal Youth Council brought perspectives on law and climate protection. The moderation was led by Franziska Albrecht from Green Legal Impact Germany e.V.
The brief 10-minute presentations shed light on the theme "Nature and Justice" from different perspectives. In the ensuing discussion, insights, irritations, and potential synergies were explored.
Dr. Anne Kurr opened the event by introducing the speakers and handing over to Franziska Albrecht. As an environmental lawyer with expertise in the relationship between nature and law, Albrecht initiated the discussion, emphasizing the urgency of nature conservation and discussing the challenges of current legal structures.
Baro Vicenta Ra Gabbert specialized in law and climate protection. In her presentation, she discussed the evolution of climate protection law as a kind of revolution and emphasized that not only humans but also nature should have rights. She spoke about the crucial role of legal professionals in nature conservation.
This link leads to Baro Vicenta Ra Gabbert's YouTube-video.
Dr. Johannes Giebel, a researcher and curator of the Mineralogical Collections at TU Berlin, reported on research in Namibia and South Africa in the field of mineralogy and petrology. He highlighted bureaucratic hurdles and challenges in conducting research in these regions. Giebel also discussed the importance of environmental protection and the involvement of the local population in research.
This link leads to Dr. Johannes Giebel's YouTube-video.
Katrin Fritsch advocated for diversity and women's rights in the digital space. She clarified the impact of the internet on the environment, especially in the context of digital rights and climate justice, emphasizing the need to discuss the environmental impact of the internet.
Prof. Dr. Salomé Voegelin started with impressive sound recordings of the rainforest and emphasized the impossibility of isolating sounds. She spoke about acoustemology and the significance of sound impact in nature, stressing that understanding the connection should create awareness and promote interdisciplinarity.
This link leads to Prof. Dr. Salomé Voegelin's YouTube-video.
In the discussion, questions were raised about the meaning of law as a societal projection or hurdle. The access to nature and the connection of sound and the environment were discussed, as well as the role of seminars and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to nature and legal issues. The discussion highlighted the shift in the understanding of nature and law, with new approaches to be explored through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The event not only offered inspiring presentations but also provided a platform for exchange between representatives of different disciplines.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to you for participating in our 45th HybridTalk on "Nature and Justice." Special thanks to our speakers. The exciting insights and expertise illuminated the theme from various perspectives and led to a stimulating discussion.
We warmly invite you to join our next event - our 46th HybridTalk in February 2024. Look forward to more exciting topics and interesting conversations.
Thank you, and see you soon!
Your HybridTeam