'Why Societies Collapse' - 'Saturdays at the Museum'

Joseph Tainter, professor of Environment and Society at USU, will be the featured speaker at the upcoming “Saturdays at the Museum” event at the Utah State University Museum of Anthropology Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. Tainter’s topic, “Why Societies Collapse,” is based on his original research published in his book The Collapse of Complex Societies.

 

Tainter’s research has also been featured on the ABC News program “Earth 2100” and he served as a subject matter expert for the 2007 documentary film The 11th Hour, narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. Tainter’s research focuses on social conflict in environmental issues, human responses to climate change and environmental degradation, and human uses of energy and resources.

 

“Dr. Tainter is a foremost scholar in the field of complex societies,” said Mary Kay Gabriel, museum curator. “His insight is remarkably interesting and even eye-opening. He explains where our own society is heading and that it is not all roses, yet his realistic assessments leave plenty of room for positive action. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to discuss these ever looming issues with him directly.”

 

Funding for Saturday events is provided by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). More information about the IMLS is available online (www.imls.gov).

 

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building. For more information on this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum Web site.

 

 

Source: Museum of Anthropology