The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture recently announced the formation of the “Forum on Environment,” an open group that will meet regularly with environmental experts in all areas of the field to learn about and discuss key issues that affect everyone.

“The new forum will address a persistent problem for those serious about environmental concerns – how to have a whole rather than a partial understanding of the challenges the culture faces,” said Larry Allums, executive director of The Dallas Institute. “Clean air and water, carbon emissions, alternate forms of energy, scarce resources, sustainability, localism, and other aspects of the environment present an imposing array of issues about which the community needs to be informed in order to make good choices. The Forum on Environment will aim at a holistic awareness of such issues, bringing knowledgeable guests for presentations and discussions in a variety of cultural areas.”

To kick off the Forum, The Dallas Institute conducted an “Environmental Summit” consisting of local leaders with various interests in the environment. Participants in the Summit, who will constitute the core membership of the Environmental Forum, included: Claudia and Larry Allums, The Dallas Institute; Brent Brown, Building Community Workshop; Anne Brown, National Audubon Society; Anna Clark, EarthPeople; Catherine Cuellar, La Reunion TX; David Denney, The Law Offices of David T. Denney, PC; Rod Dreher, The Dallas Morning News; Ann Drumm, Dallas Sierra Club; Robert Frodeman, University of North Texas; Robert Hutchins, Rehoboth Ranch; Jill Jordan, City of Dallas; Margaret Keliher, Texas Business for Clean Air; Marcy Brown Marsden, University of Dallas; Bud Melton, bicycle and pedestrian planner; Kim Pierce, Edible DFW; Kim Rice, DFW World Affairs Council; Ken Sidebottom, U.S. Green Building Council-North Texas; Gail Thomas, Trinity Trust Foundation; Jim Thomas, JCPenney Corporate Responsibility; and Frederick Turner, University of Texas at Dallas.

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization with a 20-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders.  Created in 1980, The Dallas Institute is a center for creative and intellectual exchange, providing enriching programs for the public that are grounded in the wisdom of the humanities, laying the foundation for Dallas to realize its full potential for cultural excellence.   The Dallas Institute is located at 2719 Routh St., Dallas, Texas 75201.  For information, call (214) 871-2440, or visit www.DallasInstitute.org.