This year's Circle U. Christmas lecture kicks off with professor Marnik Vanclooster from UCLouvain, speaking about Water as an Ecosystem in Times of Climate Change. In this part of the lecture, you will learn how industrial agriculture, with its high water use and heavy reliance on chemicals, harms water quality, ecosystems, and human health. Prof. Vanclooster will examine the globalized food production system’s role in these impacts and explore solutions – especially agroecological approaches – to secure clean water in the face of climate change. Using examples from Europe and the Global South, the lecture highlights how sustainable agricultural transitions can protect water resources.
Next, Dr. Pascal Grosse from Berlin's Charité and the Global Health Hub will expand on Water and Climate: Malaria in Europa – Past, Present, and Future. The lecture explores the history of malaria in Europe, where it was once widespread – including in Germany – before being eradicated in the early 20th century. With climate change raising temperatures and altering water conditions, the risk of malaria’s return has increased. The lecture examines the ecological factors behind malaria, its decline in Europe, and its potential re-emergence, while discussing developments that give hope for dealing with this challenge.
The lecture will include interactive quizzes and allow you to experience – in person or remotely – the special atmosphere of Humboldt-Universität's Heilig-Geist-Kapelle, where many generations have found hope since it was built in 1300. Last but not least, those attending on-site are invited to stay for further discussions over tea and biscuits.
