full

Can we innovate infinitely?

Susanna Sutherland, of Sutherland & Associates, offers a critique of The infinite resource: the power of ideas on a finite planet by Ramez Naam. Naam contends that with innovation and expanding human knowledge, humanity will meet the very real and enormous environmental challenges we face. Ms. Sutherland summarizes, "Though dealing with global issues, this book notes that individual choices drive big picture outcomes. It contends that what you and I chose to think, say, do, not do, support, or oppose—here in Knoxville—impacts more than just Knoxville. It reminds us that the incredible quality of life we enjoy comes with a caretaker’s responsibility." (Recorded November 19, 2014)

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Knox Pods
Knox Pods
Podcasts of Knox County Public Library

About your hosts

Profile picture for Melissa Brenneman

Melissa Brenneman

Melissa listens to hours of podcasts on most days. She started the habit with the intention of taking long walks, but podcasts proved to be more addicting than exercise. She records, edits and mixes podcasts for the library.
Profile picture for Alan May

Alan May

Alan May works as a librarian at Lawson McGhee Library. He holds an MFA in creative writing and a Master's of Library and Information Studies, both from the University of Alabama. In his spare time, he reads and writes poetry. His work has appeared or is forthcoming in New Orleans Review, The New York Quarterly, The Hollins Critic, The Idaho Review, Plume, Willow Springs, and others. He has published three books. His latest, Derelict Days in That Derelict Town: New and Uncollected Poems, is forthcoming in 2025.