ALTOONA, Pa. — Brian Black, distinguished professor of history and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, served as chair and commentator for two sessions at the World Congress of Environmental History (WCEH) meeting in Oulu, Finland, from Aug. 19 through Aug. 23.

On the topic “The Petroleum Century and Global Landscapes,” nine scholars from international universities presented their research on the cultural and ecological implications of energy development in locations ranging from Saudi Arabia to the Caspian Sea.

WCEH is held every five years and is the major global gathering for scholars in environmental history, environmental humanities and all related fields.