The environmental issue 40 years on from Chernobyl. Lessons from history

From May 8 to June 9, 2026 – 5:00 p.m.

Fabrizio Giovenale Library
Via Fermo Corni snc
Rome

Poster

This series of talks aims to revisit some key issues in recent history to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, which occurred on 26 April 1986. Over the past 40 years, environmental issues have attracted increasing interest from the public and decision-makers, and have become the subject of intense debate in recent times. The lectures, delivered by qualified academics, aim to explain to the public the historical evolution of certain major issues that are now at the centre of society’s attention.

The first lecture focuses on the relationship between environmentalism and democracy, beginning with the watershed moment represented by the Chernobyl accident, with a view to analysing the development of environmental movements and the changes that have taken place since 1986.

The second lecture focuses on the history of nuclear fusion in Italy, with the aim of reconstructing the scientific debate that led, in the 1980s and 1990s, to numerous positions being taken that influenced both the ruling classes and public opinion.

The third lecture focuses on agriculture, examining how fertilisers and pesticides were introduced in Italy following the Second World War, and exploring their impact on the environment and public health.

The fourth lecture describes the livestock sector, looking in particular at the spread of intensive farming and the ways in which it has affected local areas.

The sessions, held at the Biblioteca Giovenale, are organised as part of an agreement between the CNR – Institute for Mediterranean Studies and the Libraries of Rome.

Each session consists of a lecture lasting approximately 40–50 minutes, followed by a discussion with the audience.

ORGANISED BY
CNR-ISMed, Rome Libraries

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Michele Colucci, Stefano Gallo (CNR-ISMed)

INFO AND CONTACTS
Stefano Gallo
stefano.gallo@ismed.cnr.it
www.ismed.cnr.it