A Quest for Healthy Land and People

Montana Institute on Ecosystem’s presents Dr. Ruth DeFries, professor of ecology and sustainable development at Columbia University and co-founding dean of the Columbia Climate School, for a Distinguished Lecture Seminar.

Tuesday, April 16
Doors open at 5:30PM  |  Lecture begins at 5:30PM
Crawford Theater
FREE

Ruth DeFries is a professor of ecology and sustainable development at Columbia University in New York and co-founding dean of the Columbia Climate School. She uses images from satellites and field surveys to examine how the world’s demands for food and other resources are changing land use throughout the tropics. Her research aims to contribute to realistic pathways for people and nature to thrive. DeFries was elected as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, one of the country’s highest scientific honors, received a MacArthur “genius” award, and is the recipient of many other honors for her scientific research.

In addition to over 200 scientific papers, she is committed to communicating the nuances and complexities of sustainable development to popular audiences through her books “The Big Ratchet: How Humanity Thrives in the Face of Natural Crisis and “What Would Nature Do?: A Guide for Our Uncertain Times”. DeFries founded and continues to direct the Network for Conserving Central India.

Learn more about other Montana Institute on Ecosystems events online.