How can we imagine emerging forms of interdependence between human, animal, and plant life in the Anthropocene era?

In 2026, Columbia University's Maison Française and Alliance Program join with Villa Albertine to launch a new conversation series on ecology, addressing major topics such as the collapse of ecosystems, the transformation of human-to-nonhuman relationships, the societal and economic impact of global warming, and urban resilience.

This inaugural event, Mending the Living World, brings together Corine Pelluchon, a French philosopher whose work examines the moral and political underpinnings of our relationship with the environment; Ana Porzecanski, Director of the Center for Biodiversity & Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History; Cyrille Barnerias, Director of International Relations at the French Office for Biodiversity; and Kristina Douglass, an archaeologist and professor at the Columbia Climate School. The conversation will be moderated by Sarah Sax, an award-winning investigative journalist specializing in environmental issues.

Event Details & Important Information

This event is free and open to the public, but please note that registration does not guarantee a seat. We intentionally overbook our events, and seating is first come, first served. We recommend arriving early.

Important: Campus Access Requirements

Columbia’s campus is currently open only to Columbia-affiliated guests (with a valid CUID).
If you do not have a Columbia ID, you will need a QR code to enter campus.

To receive a QR code:

• You must register on Eventbrite at least 48 hours in advance

• We will submit your name and email to Public Safety

• You will receive an email from caladminnoreply@columbia.edu with your unique QR code on the day of the event.

Please check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the email, and bring a valid photo ID with you to present at campus entry points.