EVENT CANCELLED: Cycles of Circulation

We explore the deep influence of cycles and circulations on our planet, our economies, and our everyday lives. Drawing on perspectives from ecology, history, and critical theory, Allen delves into how natural cycles—like the water, carbon, and nutrient cycles—have shaped our understanding of nature, life, and sustainability. These systems are not only crucial for planetary health but also serve as metaphors for how humans interact with the environment.

Yet, these cycles are not just scientific models or environmental realities; they also hold deep social, political, and philosophical implications. In our modern world, we frequently hear about 'circular economies' as an alternative to the destructive linear models of extractive capitalism. But what does it really mean to create circular systems in both ecological and economic contexts? Can circularity offer true solutions, or does it risk perpetuating cycles of inequality, exploitation, and environmental harm?

This lecture will challenge attendees to think critically about the ways in which cyclical models are used and sometimes misused in contemporary discussions of sustainability. Drawing on examples from history and present-day practices, Allen will illuminate how ideas of circularity—often seen as inherently positive—can sometimes mask deeper issues of governance, power, and control. Connecting the cycles of nature with cycles of human behavior, we see anew the systems that underpin our existence and the ways we might better align our actions with the principles of reciprocity, ecological justice and planetary solidarity.