Qumsiyeh will discuss the historical and geopolitical context on how we arrived at the junction where even climate change conferences end in admitted failure, conflicts rage in the Arab World, elite populists (Trump, Modi, Netanyahu) run powerful countries, and people follow like lemmings to the cliff. He articulates actions of mitigation and adaptation.
Discounted parking (with voucher available at the event) at the Back Bay Parking Garage, 199 Clarendon Street.
Mazin Qumsiyeh
Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh teaches and conducts research at Bethlehem and Birzeit Universities, having previously served on the faculties of the University of Tennessee, Duke, and Yale. Returning to Palestine in 2008, he and his wife (Jesse) started a number of institutions and projects, including a clinical genetics laboratory that serves cancer and other patients. In 2014, they personally contributed $250,000 to found the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University (http://palestinenature.org). Running it as full-time volunteers, PIBS has become a “Mecca” for visitors to Palestine from around the world.
Qumsiyeh has published over 140 scientific papers on topics ranging from cultural heritage to biodiversity to cancer. His many published books include “Bats of Egypt,” "Mammals of the Holy Land," "Sharing the Land of Canaan: Human Rights and the Israeli/Palestinian Struggle," and "Popular Resistance in Palestine: A History of Hope and Empowerment." He has published hundreds of articles and letters to the editor, electronically published an activism book (see http://qumsiyeh.org), and has given hundreds of talks in 45 countries around the world. An outspoken human rights advocate, Qumsiyeh is proud to have earned a number of prestigious awards for non-violent actions that led to his harassment and arrest.
Programs created by Qumsiyeh and his wife have impacted thousands. He especially believes in youth empowerment for social and environmental causes and sits on the boards of a number of Palestinian youth and service organizations. The Qumsiyehs and dozens of other PIBS volunteers and staff continue to have “joyful participation in the sorrows of this world,” while making a real difference for sustainability of nature and human communities.