We are writing to you now from the UK!
Having all arrived safely in Glasgow, the Just Powers team was very excited to attend the first day of Petrocultures 2018: Transitions. Laura Watts, a poet, artist, and ethnographer from the University of Edinburgh, gave the Keynote Address, “Beside the Ocean of Energy Future Time.”
Dividing her address into four “walks,” Watts led us through her work on Orkney, a Scottish archipelago and the site of impressive renewable energy programs.
Later in the evening we participated in a dynamic Town Hall event, which was open to the public. Imre Szeman (University Research Chair and Professor of Communication Arts at the University of Waterloo), Patrick Harvie (MSP/Co-convener, Scottish Green Party), Claire Mack (CEO, Scottish Renewables), Gavin McLeod-Little (Professor of Environmental & Public Law, University of Stirling), Ben Twist (Director of Creative Carbon Scotland), and Laura Watts all presented 5-10 minute glimpses in what energy transition means to and for Scotland. During the question period, we heard from many Scots interested in exploring the cultural and societal politics of transition, which became more and more complex following collaborative discussion.
We can’t wait for Day 2! If you’re following our journey, we’ll be attendees today. Our next presentation is Friday: Just Powers: Energy. Feminism. Decolonized Futures from 1315-1430 in the Charles Wilson Lecture Theatre.
For more information, check out the conference website.