Yogyakarta – Environmental issues took center stage at the Contemporary American Issue seminar organized by the American Studies Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada, on Thursday, May 9, 2025, held at the Soegondo 70X. The event featured two influential speakers: Prof. Anna M. Gade and Achmad Munjid, Ph.D.
The session opened warmly by Prof. Anna M. Gade, a Professor of Environmental Studies and Associate Dean for Research and Education at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. She is also known for her significant work Muslim Environmentalisms: Religious and Social Foundations, published by Columbia University in 2019, which explores how diverse Muslim communities address ecological issues through social and spiritual foundations. Prof. Gade presented a talk titled “American Nature: Ecology, Environment, Sustainability.” In her presentation, she delved into the historical evolution of the concept of nature in America. She invited participants to reflect on how the concept and ideology of “nature” in American culture have been shaped by two frameworks, aesthetic and sublimation approaches that portray nature as both beautiful and imbued with deep spiritual meaning.
Prof. Gade emphasized that the concept of “nature” needs to be reexamined, as the prevailing approaches to nature should not remain confined to mere romanticization. Understanding nature should go beyond aesthetic contemplation and instead foster real action and ethical responsibility in caring for the Earth.
Peserta seminar bersama para pembicara dan tamu undangan
As a reflection, the discussion reminded us of the importance of revisiting how the concept of nature has been formed and evolved over time. It also challenges us to reconsider our position in relation to nature: is it nature that needs us, or are we ultimately dependent on nature?
[Postgraduate Program in American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]
