Last month, Brown University hosted Environmental Anthropology: Praxis, a two-day conference bringing together over 50 environmental anthropologists and scholars to explore how their work can more directly engage today’s urgent ecological challenges in a warming world.
Led by Myles Lennon, Dean's Assistant Professor of Environment and Society and Anthropology, the event explored a tension familiar to many in the field: how to balance careful documentation of environmental challenges with meaningful, on-the-ground action. Throughout the sessions, participants reflected on how environmental anthropology can meet the demands of a rapidly changing world—one shaped by ecological crisis, authoritarianism, and institutional uncertainty. Conversations centered on praxis: what it means to act, teach, and collaborate ethically and effectively today, and how to reimagine the relationships between humans, environments, knowledge, and power.
While discussions were fruitful, what stood out most was the spirit of the gathering itself. Senior scholars, junior faculty, and students came together in a warm and collegial atmosphere. The event’s structure provided guidance while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous, creative exchange—a balance participants appreciated. Community members were encouraged to attend a plenary session held at the end of the day on September 19, which welcomed ideas from outside perspectives.
"The event's atmosphere was exactly what we hoped it would foster: a day full of those ‘hallway conversation’ moments that are often the most meaningful parts of larger professional gatherings," said Sydney Giacalone, a graduate student in the Department of Anthropology. “It was an honor to be in dialogue and community with this group of scholars.”
Bringing together leading voices and emerging scholars, the gathering fostered a space for meaningful reflection and exchange. The conference highlighted the strength of the anthropological community and the power of collaboration in addressing the challenges ahead.