The 8% Solution: Biodiversity, Imperialism and Nature in Singapore | Histories
The imposition of colonial rule transformed not only the political, cultural and social makeup of Singapore but also its biodiversity. The rapid expansion of plantation agriculture resulted in massive deforestation, leading to an environmental crisis as well as a steep decline in the biodiversity found on the island. This talk will focus on how these developments, which began two centuries ago, resulted in approaches to conserve resources on the island and continue to influence our understanding of Singapore’s past, and shape the natural landscape that we enjoy today.
About the Speaker
Timothy P. Barnard is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the National University of Singapore, where he focuses on the environmental and cultural history of the Straits of Melaka. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including “Nature’s Colony” (2016) and “Imperial Creatures: Humans and Other Animals in Colonial Singapore, 1819-1942” (2019).
About the Series
This series highlights research on historical and related matters in Singapore and the region, creating an appreciation of the role of humanities and social science research in contemporary society.
Register now via https://go.gov.sg/nl-18feb