Bioethics Seminar Series – Justice, States and Markets in a Time of Climate Emergency
Seminar Recap: Justice, States and Markets in a Time of Climate Emergency
On 16 March 2026, the CUHK Centre for Bioethics hosted the latest session of our Bioethics Seminar Series, featuring Professor Martin O'Neill (University of York) on Justice, States and Markets in a Time of Climate Emergency.
The seminar opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Ann Lau, Co-Director of the CUHK Centre for Bioethics, who framed the discussion around the ways climate change tests our understanding of justice, democracy, and governance.
In the lecture, Professor O’Neill examined conventional assumptions about the role of markets in a just society. Drawing on the work of George Orwell and Rawlsian philosophy, he discussed the idea that democratic control over investment priorities is not merely an ideal, but a precondition for justice in a warming world.
Following the lecture, Professor Jiewuh Song (Seoul National University) offered incisive commentary, extending the conversation to the global dimensions of these political philosophical tensions.
A panel discussion and Q&A session, moderated by Professor Roger Chung, Co-Director of the Centre, brought together perspectives from political philosophy, bioethics, and public health—reflecting the interdisciplinary focus at the heart of our Centre’s mission. Professor Chung closed the seminar with a vote of thanks to all participants for this meaningful exchange.
It is in such cross-disciplinary dialogue that we begin to chart a more just and sustainable path forward. Stay connected with the CUHK Centre for Bioethics for future events and conversations!
The climate crisis is more than an environmental challenge—it tests the foundations of justice, democracy, and governance. The CUHK Centre for Bioethics invites you to the next Bioethics Seminar Series event to take up this challenge, examining the role of states, the purpose of markets, and the relevance of George Orwell for democracy in a time of emergency.
We are pleased to welcome Professor Martin O’NEILL (University of York), who will present on Justice, States and Markets in a Time of Climate Emergency, arguing that democratic control of investment priorities is not merely ideal—but a precondition for a just society in a warming world.
Following his lecture, Professor Jiewuh SONG (Seoul National University) will offer commentary, with moderation by Professor Roger CHUNG (Co-Director, CUHK Centre for Bioethics), bridging political philosophy, bioethics, and public health.
🕔🗓️ 3:00pm – 4:30pm, 16 March 2026 (Monday) | 📍 Rooms 204 & 206, Choh-Ming Li Basic Medical Sciences Building, CUHK |
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Come for the ideas. Stay for the conversation. Join us in person for a live Q&A and the chance to connect with others engaging at the intersection of justice, democracy, and climate responsibility. We look forward to seeing you there!
