Philosophers ponder the fate of the environment

There are very few who would deny the world's population must learn to reduce its consumption if resources are to remain sustainable. But how many can actually define what constitutes a risk to the environment? Is there such a thing as an acceptable risk?

In keeping with the Earth Day theme, The Squamish and Whistler Philosophers' Café invites all residents to join in on a discussion at the Howe Sound Inn Sunday (April 25) from 3 to 5 p.m. entitled Environmental Risk: How Do We Define it and What is an Acceptable Level?

Café organizers are handing the evening's talk to guest moderator Grant Bruce, an expert in the field of environmental impact assessments, and a Squamish resident, along with his family, for over seven years.

More than 20 years ago, Bruce joined Hatfield Consultants in West Vancouver and gradually worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a partner and owner 10 years ago.

He was born and raised in central Africa and immigrated to Canada in the late 1970s to enroll at the University of Victoria, where he graduated with a B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1982.

The focus of Bruce's work is environmental impact assessments including risk analysis, environmental information management systems, and training/institutional capacity building.

Within Canada, Hatfield provides environmental services for industrial clients in the pulp and paper, mining, oil and gas, and transportation sectors, as well as for public sector and First Nations clients. Internationally, Hatfield works closely with international development agencies, multi-lateral funding agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and industrial partners.

The visit from the vice-president of the Hatfield Consultants Group is one in a long line of high profile experts the Philosopher Café organizers have introduced to Squamish residents.

Since last fall, the group has hosted experts on a wide range of topics during the last Sunday of each month in an effort to facilitate vibrant and passionate discussion on local and global issues.

For more information visit the group's Facebook page, Squamish & Whistler Philosophers' Café.