Join Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies for a book talk featuring New York Times bestselling author Dan Egan. He will discuss his latest book, The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance.
Phosphorus can be both lethal and life-giving. It plays a critical role in firebombs, rat poison, nerve gas. It is also a key component in fertilizer, which has become vital to the production of the crops needed to feed billions worldwide. Yet, excess phosphorus pollution from farmlands contaminates lakes, rivers, and other waterways – causing toxic algal blooms that threaten water quality, wildlife, and people.
Can we find a phosphorus balance, so that we can have food on the table and healthy waters? In this major work of explanatory science and environmental journalism, Pulitzer Prize finalist Dan Egan investigates the past, present, and future of what has been called “the oil of our time.”
This event will be held in conversation format. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions during registration; they may be included in the discussion. There will also be a live Q&A.
Dan Egan covered the Great Lakes for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for decades. He is a senior water policy fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences. A graduate of the Columbia Journalism School, he lives in Milwaukee with his wife and children.
Registration via Eventbrite is required; there are separate signups for virtual and in-person attendance.
