A talk on "Making a Difference in Haiti: Longterm development and Human Rights"...

Chris recently wrote an insightful and thought-provoking piece about the importance of prevention and the lessons we could learn from Haiti. The blog post captured many critical points ranging from infrastructure renewal, aid, development and preparing for future disasters. I am in complete agreement with Chris on the importance of prevention especially in a time of great climate change uncertainty.

In my own discipline of Environmental Studies, time and time again we talk about how a lot of action on the environment is reactionary. We always wait until something happens before we take measures (either trying to avoid costs, policy or prevention in general). Sometimes we don't like taking precaution because of the unknown risks, we just assume everything is going to be ok. I always like to use the example of water conservation in Canada where an abundance of water re-assures everyone that we have enough. Water conservation and disaster prevention are two different things. But the precautionary aspect is what I draw you to. The more water we consume the more pressure we put on our water infrastructure which eventually costs millions of dollars to fix.

These costs are then reflected in our bills, and then we understand why it is important to conserve. Worse yet, over-consumption can lead to the depletion of the resource (we all know that). So taking the steps now on water conservation (short-term pain for long-term gain) will help us dramatically in the future. You have to take these small steps so as to ensure the problem does not intensify in the future.

On the note of the talk, it is titled "Making a Difference in Haiti: Longterm development and Human Rights". The speakers are Professor Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Chair and Professor of International Development Studies and Anthony Anirud, LLM, Human Rights Advisor and Educator. The event will take place Thursday January 28th at 7pm in the Champlain College Council Chambers.

Both guest speakers will provide an expert perspective on two critical aspects that entangle Haiti. Both topics are important to consider when thinking about what can be done in response to the earthquake and in the longer term recovery.

The talk is being sponsored by the Trent International Students' Association (TISA) and World Affairs Colloquium (WAC) and is being presented as part of “Colleges Connect Cultures”.

It will be interesting to see if either of the speakers touch on the importance of prevention.