ETH Global Lecture Series: The Butterfly Effect
10 Feb 2025 - The "Butterfly Effect" highlights how small actions can create global impacts, a concept shared by climate science and choreography. In this ETH Global Lecture, choreographers from the Ballet Zurich, alongside ETH Zurich climate scientists, discuss their collaboration with Ballet Zurich’s Junior Ballett, showcasing how dance reflects our world's interconnectedness and the challenges of climate change.
The "Butterfly Effect" illustrates how small changes can create far-reaching impacts, a concept at the heart of both climate science and choreography. This ETH Global Lecture brings together choreographers from the Ballet Zurich with climate scientists from ETH Zurich to discuss their unique collaboration with Ballet Zurich’s Junior Ballett.
Together, they explore the creation of a new ballet inspired by the interconnectedness of natural systems and the challenges of climate change. This interdisciplinary dialogue offers a fascinating look at how subtle movements, whether in nature or art, can ripple outward to produce profound effects, showcasing the powerful synergy between science and the performing arts.
Speakers
- external page Cathy Marston, Ballet Director and Chief Choreographer of the Ballett Zürich
- Chris Luebkeman, leader of the Strategic Foresight Hub in the Office of the President at ETH Zurich (moderation)
Chris Luebkeman
Chris Luebkeman is Head of the Strategic Foresight Hub in the Office of the President at ETH Zurich. In all of his collaborations, he intertwines practical optimism, insatiable curiosity, and a profound commitment to the planet. Chris' career to date has spanned various professions and locations. His path led him to Vanderbilt, Cornell and ETH Zurich, among others. Prior to his role as Head of Foresight at ETH Zurich, he worked at the global engineering consultancy Arup in London, where he led the research and development group and later founded the foresight, innovation and incubation teams.