Great Decisions lecture series focuses on the energy transition and geopolitics

The 2025 Great Decisions of Wayne County lecture series returns to The College of Wooster beginning Thursday, Feb. 20, centered upon the theme, “The Energy Transition and Global Geopolitics.” The opening event in the series features a screening of the documentary Powerlands, which highlights the impacts of energy extraction on rural indigenous communities, followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director. The series will continue with speakers in March. All events are free and open to the public and will take place in Gault Recital Hall of Scheide Music Center (525 E. University Street) at 7:30 p.m.   

“Great Decisions brings all the strengths of a nationally renowned liberal arts college to the greater Wooster community: intellectual exchange, open dialogue, the presentation of compelling ideas,” said Matt Mariola, co-director of Great Decisions of Wayne County and an associate professor of environmental studies at the College of Wooster. “The Wooster community, in turn, serves as the primary audience for most Great Decisions talks, giving the series a validation that extends beyond academia.” 

Director of Sustainability at the College, Brian Webb, noted the timeliness of the series’ theme. “In highlighting this topic, we hope to bring a nuanced perspective into the energy, climate, and geopolitical conversation that highlights solutions while giving due consideration to the existing challenges and changes needed,” said Webb. “I hope attendees come away more optimistic about our energy future, with a vision for an energy system that meets our increasing demand for energy in a way that is sustainable, affordable, fair, and inclusive.” 

Presented on Thursday, Feb. 20, Powerlands follows the displacement of Indigenous communities and the environmental devastation caused by the exploitation of land by chemical companies as told through the lens of a young Navajo filmmaker. The film’s run time is approximately seventy-five minutes. Ivey Camille Manybeads-Tso, award-winning filmmaker and the director of Powerlands, will be available for a Q&A session with audience members following the screening. A brief trailer for the film can be found at powerlands.org. 

On Tuesday, March 4, Jessica Moerman will present “Why Should Christians Care About an Energy Transition.” Moerman is an environmental scientist currently serving as president and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network and is the co-founding pastor at her church alongside her husband, Chris. She holds a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has held research positions at Johns Hopkins University, University of Michigan, and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Her work focuses on the intersection of science and faith among other issues including climate change, pollution, and the clean energy transition.  

Chris Turner

On Tuesday, March 11, Chris Turner will present “Global Energy and the Case for Climate Optimism.” A Canada-based expert on the economics of the global energy transition, Turner authored the book, How to Be a Climate Optimist that condenses the first twenty-five years of the global energy transition into small chunks of optimistic reports and reflection. In addition to his several books, Turner is a bestselling journalist whose work has appeared in nearly a dozen publications, including The New Yorker and Time.

Dan Scholten

Previously intended on Feb. 6, a lecture with Dan Scholten, visiting scholar at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota where he focuses on science, technology, and environmental policy, is expected to take place later this spring. Look for updated information at the Great Decisions of Wayne County website, https://greatdecisionswayne.voices.wooster.edu. The Great Decisions Lecture series has run annually since 1981 and is made possible through the generosity of numerous local donors, including several foundations, who recognize its value in the community. 

Featured photo: Great Decisions Lecture Series 2024

Posted in Event, Homepage Featured on February 7, 2025.