Seminario alpino - Il nostro pianeta: comprenderne i limiti per creare un futuro sostenibile

Description of the topics covered in this seminar:
The themes of the seminar are twofold: first, there is a need to understand the importance of ecosystem services for the survival of plant, animal and human communities and their relationship to the global climate. Second, we need to grapple with the issue of an economic system based on potentially infinite growth against finite resources. The overexploitation of natural resources, the human inability to respect their regeneration processes, and the alteration of ecological balances are rapidly transforming the Earth and threatening the well-being of all living communities. In this seminar, the concepts of "limit" and "growth," "critical thresholds," "past gradations of sustainability," and "sustainable futures" will be discussed, and alternative economic-social models from the past and a possible future will be discussed. How did certain societies of the past deal with the issue of extracting resources from the environment? What dialogue needs to be promoted between the economy, environment and society? And what role can each of us play in these processes?

Detailed Program: 

The detailed program with the planned excursions and guest-speakers are specified on the attached document, along with activity and travel schedules.

Organization and Costs:
The overnight stay and breakfast at the House of Sustainability are free, as are the activities in the program. The Alpine Seminar is free of charge for students, including overnight stay at the House of Sustainability and breakfast, travel by train from Lugano/Mendrisio to Airolo (you will be provided a few days in advance with a free digital ticket, valid for the dates of the seminar). Participants are responsible for the cost of their own meals. We strongly encourage you to consult the Alpine Seminars FAQ page where you can find all the practical information you need: https://www.casasostenibilita.usi.ch/it/seminario-alpino.

The Alpine Seminar aims to provide students with analytical skills in a variety of relevant contexts that may be useful for future careers on the topic of sustainable development. During the course, some topics related to sustainable development will be encountered in order to show how sustainability should be developed as a culture capable of bringing environmental, social and economic aspects into dialogue with an ethical outlook. 

Bachelor students will be able to explore the various themes of sustainability through an innovative course that, starting from the encounter with the territory, combines theory and practice. A privileged opportunity to reflect on how to create "a well-functioning society" capable of improving the living conditions of citizens without compromising the lives of future generations.

In presence

• Two-hour theoretical introduction on sustainable development
• Immersion in the alpine landscape for the purpose of experiencing the value of environmental resources with 1 or 2 field trips each lasting about half a day (very easy level, suitable for everyone. Any problems with reduced mobility should be reported to the House of Sustainability team in a timely manner).
• 1 or 2 in-depth thematic discussions with USI lecturers and/or invited external experts lasting between 45-90 minutes. The meeting with experts will focus on dialogue with students (preparation of questions during the seminar) and can be organized in-person or online. 
• Student group work and presentation of group work. One week before the start of the seminar, articles to be read and prepared before starting the course will be uploaded to the iCorsi platform. 

Mandatory attendance in Airolo and active. Presentation of a short group work that will be done during the seminar. The presentation and active participation will be evaluated by the course leader to determine if the course has been passed. No grade will be assigned, but a pass ("Pass") or fail ("Resp") grade will be given.

ECTS are assigned depending on faculty decisions.

• Airolo, 19.05.25 - 21.05.25 (Compulsory)