The University of Wisconsin has played an outsized role in shaping the field of environmental studies, boasting an alum who is the founder of Earth Day (Gaylord Nelson LLB’42), as well as conservation giants such as John Muir and Aldo Leopold. To mark the 50th anniversary of both Earth Day and the UW’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, “Hope’s Eternal Spring” lays out the institute’s focus on a positive approach toward environmental problem-solving. The article presents vignettes featuring six current and former members of the Nelson faculty to find out where their hope lies, painting engaging portraits of each figure. For instance, author John Allen does not shy away from the fact that Reid Bryson, who founded the institute, was a prickly character who actually believed that the earth was cooling, not warming. A segment on Professor Monica White adds ethnic diversity, and focuses on environmental justice. Other featured professors focus on water issues, the economic aspects of stewarding the environment, land use, and human adaptability.
From the Judges
A unique approach, and compelling visions from the people who were featured.
