Ecomyopia on the Chesapeake: Social and Cultural Barriers to Climate-Induced Managed Retreat

Ecomyopia on the Chesapeake: Social and Cultural Barriers to Climate-Induced Managed Retreat

Friday, Feb. 13 | 5:30pm

In the face of predicted sea-level rise on the Eastern Shore of Maryland due to land subsidence and glacial melt, managed retreat may preserve communities, social networks, and cultural heritage in ways that individual retreat from natural disaster cannot. On Friday, Feb. 13, at 5:30pm, join Cultural Anthropology Professors Aaron Lampman (Washington College) and David Casagrande (Lehigh University) in the Van Lennep Auditorium, or virtually, to explore their research into ecomyopia—the ignoring of environmental information to protect identity—and how deep-seated local narratives and social dynamics cause widespread denial of climate risk, ultimately preventing rational long-term solutions.

This event is generously sponsored by the Upper Shore Regional Folklife Center.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: Aaron Lampman is a Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. He is
an affiliate in the International Studies and Environmental Studies departments and currently serving as the Dean of Student Success in academic affairs.

David Casagrande is a Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He is a faculty member of Lehigh’s Center for Catastrophe Modeling and Resilience and is currently the Director of Environmental Studies.

Ecomyopia on the Chesapeake: Social and Cultural Barriers to Climate-Induced Managed Retreat
Date/Time: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, 5:30pm
Location: Van Lennep Auditorium & available virtually
Cost: Suggested ticket price of $8 per participant

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NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Photo: Smith Island at spring tide. (David Casagrande)