Back To The Future 

An understanding of ancient cultures and their concepts of environmental sustainability should be considered in solutions to the growing threat of climate change. That was one conclusion drawn from the recent IMPACT Sustainability Travel and Tourism Conference in Victoria, BC, writes Western Canada editor, Ted Davis in this week’s issue.

It was convened to seek solutions to the ongoing climate emergency, which is an increasing concern for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industries. Empathy for the natural world, and the role of humanity, was the essence of the messaging by some of the speakers at the conference, which took place at the Victoria Convention Centre in late January.

One of those bringing this perspective was UBC professor of anthropology Wade Davis, who used his cultural knowledge to illustrate how ancient principals had been replaced by more modern, industrial age priorities. A lack of memory capacity is a key culprit to this progression, said Davis, who is a National Geographic explorer, author and photographer specializing in Indigenous cultures.

That is, after a certain period of time, key historical events fade in relevance within the collective human memory said Davis. “It’s a haunting trait of humanity that may ultimately lead to our destruction,” said the UBC professor. His was just one in a busy schedule of presentations at the IMPACT gathering, which was in its third year of operation.

For the full story, check out this week’s issue of Canadian Travel Press.