MAY 2nd, 2008 NEW YORK CITY— The Buckminster Fuller Institute is pleased to

announce that Comprehensive Design for a Carbon Neutral World: The Challenge of

Appalachia submitted by Dr. John Todd has been selected as the winner of the 2008

Buckminster Fuller Challenge.

“Dr. John Todd’s comprehensive design strategy to bring about a carbon neutral world, in

the opinion of this jury, best embodies the bold, visionary approach to large scale societal

transformation pioneered by Buckminster Fuller. Dr. Todd’s proposal sets forth a

profound vision to heal the environmental and economic scars of the Appalachian region

and a detailed strategy to build a dynamic sustainable economic basis for lasting

renewal,” said the Buckminster Fuller Challenge jurors in a statement about their

decision.

“Dr. Todd’s vision sets forth a new theory of ecological design weaving together a set of

processes - from restoration of land to geo-sequestration of carbon, to community

involvement, to long-term economic vitality - to create a blueprint for a future for

Appalachia that envisions a harmonious self-sustaining community. This is one of the

only true whole systems projects that is place based but widely applicable.”

Allegra Fuller Snyder, Fuller’s daughter, remarked, “My father identified himself as a

Comprehensive Anticipatory Design Scientist. Each word is essential to understanding in

what way he felt an individual must be competent to be effective in fully implementing

constructive visions for our collective planetary future. John Todd’s response meets that

Challenge, literally and figuratively. My father, who knew, and admired, Dr. Todd’s

work in the 1970s, would certainly agree.”

“The selection by the jury of Dr. Todd’s project sets the bar for the Challenge for years to

come. We are thrilled the jury selected a courageous and truly integrated vision that sets

forth a detailed strategy to bring about a vibrant and life-sustaining future. The depth and breadth of this vision is stunning and I hope it becomes a catalyst for reflection and lively discussion across disciplines about contemporary approaches to solving the major issues facing us today,” said Elizabeth Thompson, Executive Director of the Buckminster Fuller Institute.

In addition to selecting the winner, the jury also identified two runners-up for their

innovative work. The Barefoot College submitted by Bunker Roy was selected as the first

runner-up and Promoting Biogas and Training Bedouin Women submitted by Kevin

Leopold was selected as the second runner-up.