What Were We Thinking?

This article outlines the context in geography and statistics in the mid 1960s, at the height of geography's so-called "quantitative revolution," that led us into a long-term collaboration about spatial statistics, which has continued in surges and lulls for some 40 years. We focus upon problems in spatial autocorrelation, including the measurement of autocorrelation, distribution theory, and variable geographical lattices. This narrative may not describe how it was, but it does describe how we remember the events of the time.     

Climatic Collapse at The Hague: What Happened,Why, and Where Do We Go From Here?

This article analyses the meeting of the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention that took place at The Hague in November 2000. Billed as the summit that would put the final touches to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, the meeting adjourned without reaching substantive conclusions. The authors explain what happened, underlining salient features that have led to the current impasse. They suggest that agreement is still possible if major players understand the need to work within the structures, institutions and processes created by the Convention and Protocol as a result of the ten years of hard negotiations. Intransigence, an overloaded agenda, abandonment of familiar procedures and, above all, an inability to consider creative ways of forging common positions from divergent national positions are some of the lessons that need to be learnt.     

How Much Do We Actually Know? A Comparison of the Organization of Preventive Archaeology in Romania and in Europe, 2000–15

This study focuses on the organization of preventive archaeology in Romania and several other European countries over the last fifteen years. It provides data comparing the number and density of archaeological sites in Romania identified as a result of large-scale investment projects. It also discusses some important aspects regarding the financial and human resources involved in preventive archaeological excavations in Romania and other European countries. The paper attempts to outline the steps that need to be taken in Romania to ensure the continuing preservation of archaeology. These are: 1. A proper understanding of the importance of certain sites in comparison to others; 2. An accurate understanding of the importance of Article 9 of the Valletta Convention, which focuses on the concept of ‘public awareness’; 3. Prioritizing archaeological projects with useful results; 4. The creation of accurate digital databases, using GIS platforms. Ultimately, it is argued that we need to excavate, but we need even more to preserve, capitalize, and promote the archaeological patrimony, to facilitate the access of the public to archaeological sites, and to make people understand why it is crucial to protect our monuments.