Presentation

What new narratives can capture the impact of the ecological crisis? How can words incite action? And what role does culture play in the transition to a more sustainable society? During this conference-debate, organised in collaboration with Brussels2030, three distinguished speakers address questions that can no longer be left open-ended.

Valerie Trouet is a paleoclimate scientist, writer and speaker, who has been Scientific Director of the Belgian Climate Centre since its foundation in November 2022. Her first book, Tree Story: The History of the World Written in Rings, explains how tree rings, which bear witness to past disruptions, are precious indicators of the upheavals to come if we don’t change our behaviour.

David Van Reybrouck, a well-known essayist, historian, novelist and playwright, is also a fervent campaigner for democracy and the climate. His latest book, De kolonisatie van de toekomst (Colonizing the future), is an outspoken plea for climate justice and suggests political commitments to guarantee democratic renewal. Can this be another storytelling device to encourage citizens to take action?

Joining them is Grace Ndiritu, a British-Kenyan artist who is currently exhibiting her mid-career survey 'Healing The Museum' at S.M.A.K. in Ghent. Her works are deeply concerned with the transformation of today's world. Whatever the techniques and media explored - performance, cinema, shamanism, social action, publications, textile art and collection studies - her approach is always thought-provoking and ethically grounded, addressing themes such as protest, ecology, inclusion and sexuality.

The conference-debate will be moderated by journalist Nicky Aerts.