In an age defined by climate anxiety and ecological fragmentation, where do we look for new, or perhaps very old, ways of belonging to the world? As the global community struggles with climate change and biodiversity loss, the quest for new frameworks to understand our relationship with the planet has never been more urgent.
In Session 4, Professor James Miller offers a timely course, GCHINA308 PHIL308 / RELIG302 Chinese Thought on the Environment. The course explores how classical Chinese philosophy, religion, and cultural traditions have conceptualized nature and the relationship between human beings and the broader environment. We spoke with Prof. Miller to discuss why these ancient ideas are relevant, how they reframe contemporary crises, and why this course is an essential offering for students across disciplines, from environmental science and public policy to philosophy and the arts. Read More
Johann Diego Asmus León, Class of 2026, is studying Environmental Science with a Public Policy focus at DKU and Interdisciplinary Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy at Duke University. Combining his academic interests with a hands-on approach to environmental issues—particularly the urgent challenge of pollinator decline, Johann leads the Hive Minds Community Beekeeping Initiative, a CSCC Community Service project that connects DKU students with local beekeepers in Kunshan and the wider Jiangsu province.
Established in 2023, Hive Minds grew out of Johann’s recognition that bee population decline is not only a global concern but also a local one, with serious implications for agriculture and biodiversity in the Yangtze Delta region. In the conversation below, Johann shares the story behind Hive Minds, reflects on his experiences collaborating with both students and community members, and discusses how he hopes the project will inspire a lasting culture of environmental stewardship at DKU and beyond. Read More
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