Future of sustainability to be examined in talk by Chichester academic

University of Chichester academic Dr Tommy Lynch will explore the question ‘Is sustainability sustainable?’, at a talk at Oxfam bookshop in Chichester. 

Dr Lynch, who teaches political theology and philosophy, will argue that sustainable development is an often well-intentioned but inadequate response to the challenges of climate change. 

“Sustainability does not mean what most people think it means,” he said. “Most people would think it is something to do with the environment – and it is –  but it is not just that.  This means companies in oil and gas for example, can tell us they are working towards sustainability under the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but change very little when it comes to the environment.” 

There are 17 goals which come under the sustainable development umbrella, including gender equality and education, for example, so companies can work towards goals in these areas while doing little on climate and the environment, and call themselves sustainable, he said. 

Dr Lynch’s research centres around philosophical conceptions of the end of the world, and he argues that climate change is a big part of this. 

“My main research project is on the end of the world, and I think a lot about climate change as a part of that,” he added. “But it is a huge problem and quite scary, and you can’t address a problem that you can’t confront.” 

To hear more about Dr Lynch’s research and upcoming paper on sustainability, come along to his talk at the Oxfam bookshop, 36 East Street, Chichester on Wednesday, 4 February from 5.30pm to 6pm. Tickets are £5 and available to purchase in store.