HOUSTON, TX — Dr. Robert D. Bullard, widely known as the "father of environmental justice," will open the 2026 Villanova International Sustainability Conference at the Patristicum in Rome, Italy as the keynote speaker. Hosted by Villanova University, the global conference will take place October 12-15, 2026 with a core theme: Responding to the Cries of Earth and the Poor.
Dr. Bullard, the founding director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University will address disproportionate burdens carried by vulnerable populations and outline actionable paths toward equitable environmental policy.
The Conference will convene global scholars, policymakers, community leaders and practitioners across disciplines ranging from ethics and health to engineering, law and climate science. Inspired by Catholic social teaching and environmental frameworks, the four-day conference aims to bridge research and grassroots activism to solve pressing global crises. “Climate change is the defining equity issue of the 21st century,” said Dr. Bullard. “The communities contributing the least to global emission are often those hit first and hardest by environmental degradation. I look forward to joining Villanova University and an international coalition of leaders in Rome to push for concrete, just and lasting solutions.”
In addition to the renowned expert keynote, conference goers will engage in discussions addressing the deep intersections between climate change, systemic inequality and community health, and the conference will feature concurrent research presentations, like that of Dr. Denae King, Bullard Center’s Associate Director, interactive panels, and the inauguration of the Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal, honoring extraordinary service.
Media Availability:
Please visit https://www.villanova.edu/university/sustainability-conference.html for more information regarding conference schedule and media access. For inquiries regarding Bullard Center activities or staff, please visit www.bullardcenter.org or contact David.Castillo@tsu.edu.
About Dr. Robert D. Bullard
Dr. Robert D. Bullard is a Distinguished Professor and Founding Director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University and co-founder of the HBCU Climate Change Consortium. Dr. Bullard has authored 18 books on sustainable development, urban planning, environmental racism including the seminal work Dumping in Dixie. In 2019, Villanova University's Department of Geography and the Environment established the Robert Bullard Medallion Award for Excellence in Environmental Studies. He is the recipient of the 2024 TIME Earth Award, the Museum of Science (Boston) Bradford Washburn Award, and the Urban Land Institute Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development. In October of 2025, Dr. Bullard was inducted in the National Academy of Medicine and Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology.
About Villanova University
Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community where students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. Ranked among the nation’s top universities. Villanova supports intellectual growth and prepares students to become ethical leaders who create positive change worldwide.