David Feeny, Norman Myers, John Richards, Richard Tucker, and Michael Williams discuss the status of the world’s forests, how their current environmental condition evolved, and the likely social, cultural, and economic effects of increasing rates of deforestation. They examine the environment as a manifestation of cultural interdependence with social, political, and economic consequences, particularly with regard to Third World societies.
At the time of this recording, the speakers were participants in a conference about the world’s economy and forestry in the twentieth century, held at the National Humanities Center; the conference was hosted by Duke University’s Center for International Studies. Feeny was professor of economics at McMaster University. Myers, from Oxford, England, was a consultant in environment and development. Richards, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1979-80, 2000-2001), was professor of history at Duke University. Tucker was professor of history at Oakland University. Williams was professor of geography at Oxford University.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
