Sierra Club, America's oldest national conservation organization seeks an energetic, goal-and results-oriented Conservation Organizer-Trade Program interested in applying their experience to help staff and volunteers across the country to organize support for grassroots
campaigns, events and skills training and to generate turnout for campaign visibility events. The preferred location for this position is Washington DC.
Responsibilities:
1. Researches global trade issues, including bilateral and multilateral agreements, as well as the connections between climate change and trade. Works with others to devise and recommend a plan and strategy for conservation campaigns around these issues. Develops educational and campaign materials;
2. Organizes and coordinates grassroots involvement in visibility/
organizing activities;
3. Travels to targeted media markets to educate and raise awareness of global trade and other relevant environmental issues. Coordinates public education field organizing in assigned media market;
4. Works with appropriate regional staff and volunteer entities to plan and implement visibility events, and to generate telephone calls and letters to the editor in target media market;
5. Travels to organize and coordinate training events, field meetings, visibility events, or other large events and conferences;
6. Works independently or with staff to carry out Sierra Club campaign priorities. Provides information, research, and other assistance to Sierra Club leaders, the public and others about the campaigns and priority issues;
7. Works with staff to identify, recruit and organize volunteers both in Sierra Club and other groups around priority campaigns;
8. Performs administrative and miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor.
Additional Qualifications:
-- 1-2 years experience working with volunteers in the environmental movement, political campaigns, or other, similar organizations to plan and implement grassroots campaigns;
-- Current basic knowledge of globalization and trade;
-- Current contacts with coalition partners;
-- Excellent writing and editing skills. Demonstrated skills in writing and production of newsletters. Good verbal communication skills;
-- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in action-oriented office;
-- Ability to work independently, cooperatively and effectively with public, staff and volunteers;
-- Able to travel as needed;
-- Proficient computer skills; knowledge and experience with word processing (WordPerfect or MS Word), database and communications
software;
-- Fluency in Spanish is helpful but not required.
How to Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume to: resumes@sierraclub.org .To ensure proper routing of your application, please specify "Nat'l Cons Orgr Trade - IDSF "in the subject line of your email response.
Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical / dental /
vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan
Sierra Club is an EOE committed to a diverse workforce.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Climate Change Roundtable: Dec. 5, 2008
Dear Colleague,
I would like to invite you to attend a UNDP Washington Roundtable on Friday, December 5. The topic will be “A New Multilateralism? (Part Two): Prospects for U.S.-UN Cooperation on Climate Change.”
Our Roundtable will feature Aimee Christensen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Christensen Global Strategies; Amy Fraenkel, Regional Director for North America, UN Environment Programme; and Olav Kjørven, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Development Policy.
The Roundtable will take place from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which is located at 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW. Lunch will be served.
President-elect Barack Obama, in a 2007 article for Foreign Affairs, called for a renewal of U.S. leadership in the world. “I intend,” he wrote, “to rebuild the alliances, partnerships, and institutions necessary to confront common threats and enhance common security.” Such a rebuilding, he asserted, would be crucial to “defeat[ing] the epochal, man-made threat to the planet: climate change.” Moreover, Candidate Obama pledged to enact a U.S. cap-and-trade system; to develop low-carbon, clean technology at home and abroad; and to participate in a global agreement that includes binding and enforceable commitments to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
During the first two weeks in December, the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will convene in Poznán, Poland. The Poznán conference marks the midway point between the Bali Action Plan of last December and the new post-Kyoto Protocol agreement that is expected to be signed in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. Against the backdrop of the Poznán conference and the recent U.S. election, our Roundtable will discuss the state of the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol as well as the state of negotiations for a new agreement, particularly as both processes relate to developing countries. We will also discuss how the incoming Obama Administration could provide new international leadership in the main areas of the UNFCCC talks: mitigation, adaptation, technology and financing.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 3, by sending an email to wdc.events@undp.org. And please feel free to pass on this invitation to your colleagues.
I would like to invite you to attend a UNDP Washington Roundtable on Friday, December 5. The topic will be “A New Multilateralism? (Part Two): Prospects for U.S.-UN Cooperation on Climate Change.”
Our Roundtable will feature Aimee Christensen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Christensen Global Strategies; Amy Fraenkel, Regional Director for North America, UN Environment Programme; and Olav Kjørven, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Bureau for Development Policy.
The Roundtable will take place from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, which is located at 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW. Lunch will be served.
President-elect Barack Obama, in a 2007 article for Foreign Affairs, called for a renewal of U.S. leadership in the world. “I intend,” he wrote, “to rebuild the alliances, partnerships, and institutions necessary to confront common threats and enhance common security.” Such a rebuilding, he asserted, would be crucial to “defeat[ing] the epochal, man-made threat to the planet: climate change.” Moreover, Candidate Obama pledged to enact a U.S. cap-and-trade system; to develop low-carbon, clean technology at home and abroad; and to participate in a global agreement that includes binding and enforceable commitments to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
During the first two weeks in December, the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will convene in Poznán, Poland. The Poznán conference marks the midway point between the Bali Action Plan of last December and the new post-Kyoto Protocol agreement that is expected to be signed in Copenhagen at the end of 2009. Against the backdrop of the Poznán conference and the recent U.S. election, our Roundtable will discuss the state of the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol as well as the state of negotiations for a new agreement, particularly as both processes relate to developing countries. We will also discuss how the incoming Obama Administration could provide new international leadership in the main areas of the UNFCCC talks: mitigation, adaptation, technology and financing.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 3, by sending an email to wdc.events@undp.org. And please feel free to pass on this invitation to your colleagues.
Fisheries Biologist Opening
I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG) www.imsg.com is seeking to hire a Fisheries Biologist to work at NOAA's Restoration Center Southwest (RCSW) in Santa Rosa, CA. The candidate will be responsible for the oversight and implementation of habitat restoration projects affecting NOAA's trust resources in California as well as be responsible for conducting baseline marine resource assessments, and developing and implementing projects that were funded through partnerships and/or directly funded by grants from the Community-based Restoration Program (CRP). This position will focus on estuarine habitat restoration through out California, with an emphasis on wetland, estuarine and salmonids in California estuaries. This position may also support the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Program through participation in the NOAA's Damage Assessment Restoration and Remediation Program (DARRP).
Job Duties:
* Conduct outreach efforts (meetings, presentations, coordination) with state and local governments, organizations, universities, and others as needed to identify habitat restoration opportunities.
* Assist the RCSW Outreach Coordinator and RC HQ as needed to develop media information and other outreach activities to publicize the efforts of the program and individual projects.
* Prepare draft press releases and project fact sheets for selected projects.
* Provide technical review and evaluation of restoration project proposals submitted through the Restoration Center and its NGO partner solicitations for proposals. These technical reviews will consist of both desktop and field evaluations to determine project feasibility and scientific merit.
* Provide technical assistance to community-based organizations in the identification, design/review, planning, implementation, and monitoring of habitat restoration projects including the submittal of technical memos and correspondence to funded organizations.
* Serve as the RC's primary lead for technical oversight of selected CRP restoration projects within selected coastal marine environments to ensure that projects are on schedule and on budget and that the RC Supervisor is routinely briefed on the progress of these projects.
* Ensure that all CRP funded projects have met the necessary regulatory and permitting requirements as well as the minimum monitoring requirements as required by the RC.
* Collaborate with SWR staff on in-depth effectiveness monitoring to assess fisheries population response.
* Maintain and update the Restoration Center's Database (RCDB) on a regular basis for all projects and RCDB records.
* Provide technical and written assistance in support of the DARRP including assisting with the NEPA process, developing resource and damage assessments, restoration and monitoring strategies, and assisting with contract implementation and oversight.
* Conduct technical analysis and provide professional opinions and recommendations for remediation of NRDA cases.
Requirements:
·Master's Degree is preferred however level of experience will be taken into consideration
·Solid, science-based understanding of estuarine fishery biology, estuarine ecology, or marine estuarine wetlands
·Working knowledge of standard restoration methods and procedures and techniques for monitoring habitat and fisheries restoration effectiveness.
·Good written and oral communication skills are required
·Ability to multi-task and to work independently in a collaborative team setting is essential.
To Apply:
Please send your resume, 3 references and a cover letter explaining how your qualifications meet the requirements of the position to jobs@imsg.com) with the following subject heading: NOA08025 – Fisheries Biologist.
IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Duties:
* Conduct outreach efforts (meetings, presentations, coordination) with state and local governments, organizations, universities, and others as needed to identify habitat restoration opportunities.
* Assist the RCSW Outreach Coordinator and RC HQ as needed to develop media information and other outreach activities to publicize the efforts of the program and individual projects.
* Prepare draft press releases and project fact sheets for selected projects.
* Provide technical review and evaluation of restoration project proposals submitted through the Restoration Center and its NGO partner solicitations for proposals. These technical reviews will consist of both desktop and field evaluations to determine project feasibility and scientific merit.
* Provide technical assistance to community-based organizations in the identification, design/review, planning, implementation, and monitoring of habitat restoration projects including the submittal of technical memos and correspondence to funded organizations.
* Serve as the RC's primary lead for technical oversight of selected CRP restoration projects within selected coastal marine environments to ensure that projects are on schedule and on budget and that the RC Supervisor is routinely briefed on the progress of these projects.
* Ensure that all CRP funded projects have met the necessary regulatory and permitting requirements as well as the minimum monitoring requirements as required by the RC.
* Collaborate with SWR staff on in-depth effectiveness monitoring to assess fisheries population response.
* Maintain and update the Restoration Center's Database (RCDB) on a regular basis for all projects and RCDB records.
* Provide technical and written assistance in support of the DARRP including assisting with the NEPA process, developing resource and damage assessments, restoration and monitoring strategies, and assisting with contract implementation and oversight.
* Conduct technical analysis and provide professional opinions and recommendations for remediation of NRDA cases.
Requirements:
·Master's Degree is preferred however level of experience will be taken into consideration
·Solid, science-based understanding of estuarine fishery biology, estuarine ecology, or marine estuarine wetlands
·Working knowledge of standard restoration methods and procedures and techniques for monitoring habitat and fisheries restoration effectiveness.
·Good written and oral communication skills are required
·Ability to multi-task and to work independently in a collaborative team setting is essential.
To Apply:
Please send your resume, 3 references and a cover letter explaining how your qualifications meet the requirements of the position to jobs@imsg.com) with the following subject heading: NOA08025 – Fisheries Biologist.
IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Mapping Global Climate Change Intern
Mapping Global Climate Change Intern
Background
Population Action International (PAI), an independent policy group working to make clear the linkages among population, reproductive health, the environment, and development, has an immediate opening for a mapping global climate change intern.
The intern will work with PAI Research Department and Climate Project Team staff on a project to map regional vulnerabilities to climate change. This project uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create a series of maps overlaying projected changes in population and climate change variables by 2030 and 2100. In the first stage of the project, the variables include population size, age structure, urban/rural population, temperature, precipitation, drought, sea level rise, food supply, per capita income and other socioeconomic indicators, all of which are aggregated to the national level.
Responsibilities:
The intern’s scope of work may involve all or most of the following activities:
Gathering and organizing demographic and climate-related datasets
Converting data of various formats for GIS analysis
Aggregating and downscaling datasets to national-level values
Using GIS software to create single-layer and multilayer maps, representing spatial distribution of climatic, demographic and socioeconomic variables
Writing, proofreading, and editing various materials, including reports and blog posts on the mapping project
Supporting special tasks and projects as needed
Supervisor
Elizabeth Leahy, Research Associate, Research Department
Qualifications:
bachelor’s degree in geography or graduate-level experience;
extensive knowledge of ArcGIS 9, including Spatial Analyst, and experience generating maps;
familiarity with Microsoft Excel;
attention to detail, time management and organization skills;
excellent communication skills, including a professional demeanor;
excellent research and writing skills;
an interest in the connections between population and climate change.
Time:
Stipend: hourly wage (20 hours a week)
This position begins the 9th of February and runs through April 27, 2009.
Resumes with cover letter can be faxed to (202) 728-4177 Attn: Holly Greb or e-mail to apply@popact.org. EOE.
Background
Population Action International (PAI), an independent policy group working to make clear the linkages among population, reproductive health, the environment, and development, has an immediate opening for a mapping global climate change intern.
The intern will work with PAI Research Department and Climate Project Team staff on a project to map regional vulnerabilities to climate change. This project uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create a series of maps overlaying projected changes in population and climate change variables by 2030 and 2100. In the first stage of the project, the variables include population size, age structure, urban/rural population, temperature, precipitation, drought, sea level rise, food supply, per capita income and other socioeconomic indicators, all of which are aggregated to the national level.
Responsibilities:
The intern’s scope of work may involve all or most of the following activities:
Gathering and organizing demographic and climate-related datasets
Converting data of various formats for GIS analysis
Aggregating and downscaling datasets to national-level values
Using GIS software to create single-layer and multilayer maps, representing spatial distribution of climatic, demographic and socioeconomic variables
Writing, proofreading, and editing various materials, including reports and blog posts on the mapping project
Supporting special tasks and projects as needed
Supervisor
Elizabeth Leahy, Research Associate, Research Department
Qualifications:
bachelor’s degree in geography or graduate-level experience;
extensive knowledge of ArcGIS 9, including Spatial Analyst, and experience generating maps;
familiarity with Microsoft Excel;
attention to detail, time management and organization skills;
excellent communication skills, including a professional demeanor;
excellent research and writing skills;
an interest in the connections between population and climate change.
Time:
Stipend: hourly wage (20 hours a week)
This position begins the 9th of February and runs through April 27, 2009.
Resumes with cover letter can be faxed to (202) 728-4177 Attn: Holly Greb or e-mail to apply@popact.org. EOE.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The America's Energy Coast Forum: Dec. 2, 2008
The Environmental Change and Security Program and the Comparative Urban Studies Project of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, in collaboration with the America's WETLAND Foundation present:
THE AMERICA'S ENERGY COAST POLICY FORUM
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
9:00 - 11:30 AM
6th Floor Flom Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (Ronald Reagan Building)
RSVP acceptances only, cusp@wilsoncenter.org or by calling (202) 691-4289
The America's WETLAND Foundation, a private, non-profit 501(c)(3)organization, has established the America's Energy Coast (AEC) Initiative,bringing together leaders in industry, the national environmental and conservation community, academia, and major coastal interests of the four energy-producing states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The purpose of the initiative is to develop common solutions to ensure a sustainable coastal environment and the activities that take place there, so critical to the energy and economic security of the United States. At the AEC Policy Forum, leaders will deliver an Action Agenda to policy makers, offering regional sustainability solutions in the context of climate,energy, and the coast.
Location: Woodrow Wilson Center at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW ("Federal Triangle" stop on Blue/Orange Line), 6th Floor Flom Auditorium. A map to the Center is available at www.wilsoncenter.org/directions. Note: Due to heightened security, entrance to the building will be restricted and photo identification is required. Please allow additional time to pass through security.
Comparative Urban Studies Project
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004
Tel: (202) 691-4289
Fax: (202) 691-4247
THE AMERICA'S ENERGY COAST POLICY FORUM
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
9:00 - 11:30 AM
6th Floor Flom Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (Ronald Reagan Building)
RSVP acceptances only, cusp@wilsoncenter.org or by calling (202) 691-4289
The America's WETLAND Foundation, a private, non-profit 501(c)(3)organization, has established the America's Energy Coast (AEC) Initiative,bringing together leaders in industry, the national environmental and conservation community, academia, and major coastal interests of the four energy-producing states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The purpose of the initiative is to develop common solutions to ensure a sustainable coastal environment and the activities that take place there, so critical to the energy and economic security of the United States. At the AEC Policy Forum, leaders will deliver an Action Agenda to policy makers, offering regional sustainability solutions in the context of climate,energy, and the coast.
Location: Woodrow Wilson Center at the Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW ("Federal Triangle" stop on Blue/Orange Line), 6th Floor Flom Auditorium. A map to the Center is available at www.wilsoncenter.org/directions. Note: Due to heightened security, entrance to the building will be restricted and photo identification is required. Please allow additional time to pass through security.
Comparative Urban Studies Project
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004
Tel: (202) 691-4289
Fax: (202) 691-4247
Talk on Trade and the Environment: Nov. 25, 2008
School of International Service
Global Environmental Politics Field
Presents
Sikina Jinnah
University of California, Berkeley
"Governance in the Joints: Secretariat Influence on Trade-Environment Politics"
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
10:45am-12:15pm
SIS Lounge
Dr. Jinnah is a Visiting Fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute
for International Studies where she teaches a course entitled:
"Trade/Environment Politics: The WTO and the Environment." Her
research focuses on the politics of overlapping international regimes,
particularly as it pertains to the emerging role of international
secretariats in global environmental politics, and the changing nature
of developing country participation in WTO sustainable
development-related negotiations. She is also a consultant for the
International Institute for Sustainable Development, where her focus
on biodiversity (CITES and CBD) and climate change politics regularly
takes her to the major UN negotiations on this processes, including
the upcoming December climate change negotiations in Poznan, Poland.
In pursuit of her doctorate at U.C. Berkeley she spent time at various
international environmental secretariats and also worked at UNEP's
Economics and Trade Branch in Geneva.
For more information, please contact Sam Shepson at 202-885-1843 or ipfp@american.edu
Global Environmental Politics Field
Presents
Sikina Jinnah
University of California, Berkeley
"Governance in the Joints: Secretariat Influence on Trade-Environment Politics"
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
10:45am-12:15pm
SIS Lounge
Dr. Jinnah is a Visiting Fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute
for International Studies where she teaches a course entitled:
"Trade/Environment Politics: The WTO and the Environment." Her
research focuses on the politics of overlapping international regimes,
particularly as it pertains to the emerging role of international
secretariats in global environmental politics, and the changing nature
of developing country participation in WTO sustainable
development-related negotiations. She is also a consultant for the
International Institute for Sustainable Development, where her focus
on biodiversity (CITES and CBD) and climate change politics regularly
takes her to the major UN negotiations on this processes, including
the upcoming December climate change negotiations in Poznan, Poland.
In pursuit of her doctorate at U.C. Berkeley she spent time at various
international environmental secretariats and also worked at UNEP's
Economics and Trade Branch in Geneva.
For more information, please contact Sam Shepson at 202-885-1843 or ipfp@american.edu
Agriculture and Sustainability seminars: Dec. 4 & 5, 2008
The Brazil Institute invites you to two high-level seminars on
Agribusiness and Sustainability in Brazil –Farming in Mato Grosso, the Border of the Amazon
Thursday, December 4, 2008
8:45 AM – 1:00 PM
6th Floor Flom Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
&
Prospects for Brazil-US Relations in the New American Administration
Friday, December 5, 2008
8:45 AM – 6:00 PM
6th Floor Flom Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
(www.wilsoncenter.org/directions)
RSVP to Alan.Wright@Wilsoncenter.org
Agribusiness and Sustainability in Brazil –
Farming in Mato Grosso, the Border of the Amazon
Thursday, December 4, 2008
8:45 AM – 1:00 PM
8:45 AM - Opening Session
Welcome Remarks: Paulo Sotero, Director, Brazil Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center
Speaker: Blairo Maggi, Governor, State of Mato Grosso
9:30 AM - Farmers from Brazil’s Agriculture Frontier: Addressing the Challenges of Economic Development and Sustainability
Speakers: Ricardo Arioli, President, Mato Grosso Association of Soybean Producers (Aprosoja); Rui Prado, President, Mato Grosso Farm Bureau (FAMATO); John Carter, Director, Aliança da Terra; Annie Petsonk, International Counsel, Environment Defense Fund’s Climate & Air Program
11:00 AM - Break
11:15 AM - Debate
Discussants: Thomas Lovejoy, Biodiversity Chair, Heinz Center; Mark London, Lawyer at London & Mead and author of The Last Forest, joined by Governor Maggi and the first panel
Moderator: Geoffrey Dabelko, Director, Environmental Change and Security Program, Woodrow Wilson Center
###
Prospects for Brazil-US Relations in the New American Administration
Friday, December 5, 2008
8:45 AM – 6:00 PM
8:45 AM - Opening Session
Welcome Remarks: Lee H. Hamilton, President and Director, Woodrow Wilson Center
Speakers: Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, Brazil’s Ambassador to the US and
Clifford Sobel, US Ambassador to Brazil
9:30 AM - Is There Room for a Strategic Relationship Between Brazil and the US? Part I
Speakers: Nelson Jobim, Brazil’s Minister of Defense; Thomas Pickering, Vice Chairman, Hills & Company – Chair: Kellie Meiman, Managing Director, McLarty Associates
11:00 AM - Break
11:15 AM - Is There Room for a Strategic Relationship Between Brazil and the US? Part II
Speakers: Blairo Maggi, Governor, State of Mato Grosso; Donna Hrinak, Senior Director for Latin America Government Affairs, Pepsico (invited); Rubens Barbosa, President, Superior Council of Foreign Trade, FIESP; Anthony Harrington, President and CEO, Stonebridge International – Chair: Jon Huenemann, Principal for the International Department, Miller & Chevalier
12:45 PM - Lunch Keynote Speaker: Charles Hagel, US Senator, Nebraska (invited)
Chair: Anthony Harrington, President and CEO, Stonebridge International
2:30 PM - Can Brazil and the US Become Partners in the Field of Energy?
Speakers: Eliot L. Engel, U.S. Representative for New York and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere (invited); Marcio Zimmermann, Brazil’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy; Antonio Barros de Castro, Counselor to the President, National Bank of Economic and Social Development – Chair: Paulo Sotero, Director, Brazil Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center
4:00 PM - Break
4:15 PM - Challenges to Brazil and US Regional Leadership
Speakers: Thomas A. Shannon, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere; Marcel Biato, Deputy International Affairs Adviser to President Lula; Riordan Roett, Fulbright Scholar, Director of Western Hemisphere Studies, SAIS at John Hopkins University; Matias Spektor, Professor of International Relations, Fundação Getúlio Vargas (invited); Carlos Pio, Fulbright Scholar, Professor of Political Economy, University of Brasilia – Chair: Leslie Bethell, Public Policy Scholar, Woodrow Wilson Center
6:00 PM - Reception – Art Opening of “Visual Impressions” in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fulbright Commission in Brazil
Agribusiness and Sustainability in Brazil –Farming in Mato Grosso, the Border of the Amazon
Thursday, December 4, 2008
8:45 AM – 1:00 PM
6th Floor Flom Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
&
Prospects for Brazil-US Relations in the New American Administration
Friday, December 5, 2008
8:45 AM – 6:00 PM
6th Floor Flom Auditorium
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
(www.wilsoncenter.org/directions)
RSVP to Alan.Wright@Wilsoncenter.org
Agribusiness and Sustainability in Brazil –
Farming in Mato Grosso, the Border of the Amazon
Thursday, December 4, 2008
8:45 AM – 1:00 PM
8:45 AM - Opening Session
Welcome Remarks: Paulo Sotero, Director, Brazil Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center
Speaker: Blairo Maggi, Governor, State of Mato Grosso
9:30 AM - Farmers from Brazil’s Agriculture Frontier: Addressing the Challenges of Economic Development and Sustainability
Speakers: Ricardo Arioli, President, Mato Grosso Association of Soybean Producers (Aprosoja); Rui Prado, President, Mato Grosso Farm Bureau (FAMATO); John Carter, Director, Aliança da Terra; Annie Petsonk, International Counsel, Environment Defense Fund’s Climate & Air Program
11:00 AM - Break
11:15 AM - Debate
Discussants: Thomas Lovejoy, Biodiversity Chair, Heinz Center; Mark London, Lawyer at London & Mead and author of The Last Forest, joined by Governor Maggi and the first panel
Moderator: Geoffrey Dabelko, Director, Environmental Change and Security Program, Woodrow Wilson Center
###
Prospects for Brazil-US Relations in the New American Administration
Friday, December 5, 2008
8:45 AM – 6:00 PM
8:45 AM - Opening Session
Welcome Remarks: Lee H. Hamilton, President and Director, Woodrow Wilson Center
Speakers: Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, Brazil’s Ambassador to the US and
Clifford Sobel, US Ambassador to Brazil
9:30 AM - Is There Room for a Strategic Relationship Between Brazil and the US? Part I
Speakers: Nelson Jobim, Brazil’s Minister of Defense; Thomas Pickering, Vice Chairman, Hills & Company – Chair: Kellie Meiman, Managing Director, McLarty Associates
11:00 AM - Break
11:15 AM - Is There Room for a Strategic Relationship Between Brazil and the US? Part II
Speakers: Blairo Maggi, Governor, State of Mato Grosso; Donna Hrinak, Senior Director for Latin America Government Affairs, Pepsico (invited); Rubens Barbosa, President, Superior Council of Foreign Trade, FIESP; Anthony Harrington, President and CEO, Stonebridge International – Chair: Jon Huenemann, Principal for the International Department, Miller & Chevalier
12:45 PM - Lunch Keynote Speaker: Charles Hagel, US Senator, Nebraska (invited)
Chair: Anthony Harrington, President and CEO, Stonebridge International
2:30 PM - Can Brazil and the US Become Partners in the Field of Energy?
Speakers: Eliot L. Engel, U.S. Representative for New York and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere (invited); Marcio Zimmermann, Brazil’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy; Antonio Barros de Castro, Counselor to the President, National Bank of Economic and Social Development – Chair: Paulo Sotero, Director, Brazil Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center
4:00 PM - Break
4:15 PM - Challenges to Brazil and US Regional Leadership
Speakers: Thomas A. Shannon, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere; Marcel Biato, Deputy International Affairs Adviser to President Lula; Riordan Roett, Fulbright Scholar, Director of Western Hemisphere Studies, SAIS at John Hopkins University; Matias Spektor, Professor of International Relations, Fundação Getúlio Vargas (invited); Carlos Pio, Fulbright Scholar, Professor of Political Economy, University of Brasilia – Chair: Leslie Bethell, Public Policy Scholar, Woodrow Wilson Center
6:00 PM - Reception – Art Opening of “Visual Impressions” in Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fulbright Commission in Brazil
Voltunteer in Haiti in December
Unpaid Position. Volunteer to go Haiti to work on a MYAP Project for 2-3 weeks. This is a not paid position. All the expenses will be refunded and there will be a very small per diem. The volunteer will also be able to come to Washington for 3-4 days to share his/her experience with HQ staff. This is a great opportunity for people who have not been to Haiti and are interested to learn a bit about this country and its challenges. Travel in country is expected. Below the Statement of Work
ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION
Assignment Title: Food Security M&E Capacity Building
Assignment Location: Haiti
Summary of Assignment: Provide training on M&E best practices and impact assessment techniques for field staff in Haiti.
Acceptable Range of Start Date: November 15 -Dec 20, 2008
Preferred Assignment Start Date : November 24, 2008
Assignment Duration (in days): 21 days
Sub-sector of Assignment: Monitoring and Evaluation
DESCRIPTION OF VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT
Problem statement
The promotion of long-term sustainable food security requires an integrated approach that addresses availability, access, utilization and reduced vulnerability to shocks. ACDI/VOCA is now in its first year of a five year USAID Title II food security program in Haiti. The baseline survey has been completed with a draft of the results expected in mid-October, however, ACDI/VOCA and its partners would benefit from ensuring that effective best practices and evaluation techniques are being promoted during the life of the program. As such, ACDI/VOCA envisions enhancing its institutional capacity through staff training for itself and two partners who have never worked on a Title II food security program before in best practices for monitoring and evaluation.
b. Objectives of the assignment
· Assist M&E Manager to set up an M&E information data collection system at the field and office level
· Provide training to agricultural extension agents and col-vol (community health extension workers) on the collection of data relevant to the indicators listed in ACDI/VOCA Title II MYAP Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) to bolster the start up of a new Title II program in Haiti.
· Present the training to HQ staff to sustain staff capacity and to inform future program design.
QUALIFICATIONS AND PRIORITIES
Technical Experience: Experience in M&E of food security programming with projects in developing countries is a prerequisite.
Training Skills: Good training skills to adult audience required
Country Experience/Previous knowledge of USAID Title II programs would be an added advantage.
Language Capability: French preferred
Availability for Assignment Timing: December 2008
Other: Hands-on experience in development programs in developing countries.
REQUESTING ORGANIZATION
Name: ACDI/VOCA
Primary Contact: Kelly Keehan, Project Coordinator
Telephone: 202 879 0260
Address: 50 F Street NW, Washington DC 20001
E-mail: kkeehan@acdivoca.org
Organization Profile
ACDI/VOCA is a private, nonprofit international development organization with 45 years of expertise in technical assistance, market development, capacity building and training in developing countries and emerging democracies. ACDI/VOCA is currently active in over 40 countries worldwide. Under Title II programs in Rwanda, Uganda and Cape Verde, ACDI/VOCA has been addressing the root causes of food insecurity and focusing on sustainability of interventions.
In Cape Verde, ACDI/VOCA has empowered local organizations to construct soil and water conservation works that contribute to agricultural productivity, improve the diets of food-insecure groups by increasing the availability of locally grown fruits and vegetables under appropriate technologies; provided low-income families access to quality microcredit services; and promoted the capacity of local organizations to act as developmental catalysts in their communities. In Rwanda, ACDI/VOCA has promoted agribusinesses, rehabilitated natural resources and improved access to markets through road rehabilitation. ACDI/VOCA has worked to help farmers restore and protect farmland, and promoted crops that are economically appealing to farmers while protecting the natural resource base. ACDI/VOCA has focused on increasing the production of high-quality, shade-grown coffee with a special emphasis on the importance of linkages in the production and marketing chain. Cooperatives have received training to strengthen their business skills and are linked with local banks. In Uganda, ACDI/VOCA has worked throughout the country on food security, agricultural and health initiatives, thereby raising the quality of life for some of Uganda’s most vulnerable populations.
ACDI/VOCA has considerable expertise in the kinds of crops, such as cacao and coffee, that are critical to Haitian smallholder farmer livelihoods and that can reduce environmental vulnerability.
Within ACDI/VOCA, the Food Security and Specialty Crops portfolio has extensive expertise managing Title II and USDA food aid programs and has managed over 900,000 metric tons (MT) of commodity for monetization and direct distribution. In Rwanda and Uganda, ACDI/VOCA has acted as the lead monetizer of Title II vegetable oil utilizing the small-lot sales method. These auctions supply a scarce food commodity and facilitate the reemergence of small-trader activity and an open, competitive market.
ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION
Assignment Title: Food Security M&E Capacity Building
Assignment Location: Haiti
Summary of Assignment: Provide training on M&E best practices and impact assessment techniques for field staff in Haiti.
Acceptable Range of Start Date: November 15 -Dec 20, 2008
Preferred Assignment Start Date : November 24, 2008
Assignment Duration (in days): 21 days
Sub-sector of Assignment: Monitoring and Evaluation
DESCRIPTION OF VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT
Problem statement
The promotion of long-term sustainable food security requires an integrated approach that addresses availability, access, utilization and reduced vulnerability to shocks. ACDI/VOCA is now in its first year of a five year USAID Title II food security program in Haiti. The baseline survey has been completed with a draft of the results expected in mid-October, however, ACDI/VOCA and its partners would benefit from ensuring that effective best practices and evaluation techniques are being promoted during the life of the program. As such, ACDI/VOCA envisions enhancing its institutional capacity through staff training for itself and two partners who have never worked on a Title II food security program before in best practices for monitoring and evaluation.
b. Objectives of the assignment
· Assist M&E Manager to set up an M&E information data collection system at the field and office level
· Provide training to agricultural extension agents and col-vol (community health extension workers) on the collection of data relevant to the indicators listed in ACDI/VOCA Title II MYAP Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) to bolster the start up of a new Title II program in Haiti.
· Present the training to HQ staff to sustain staff capacity and to inform future program design.
QUALIFICATIONS AND PRIORITIES
Technical Experience: Experience in M&E of food security programming with projects in developing countries is a prerequisite.
Training Skills: Good training skills to adult audience required
Country Experience/Previous knowledge of USAID Title II programs would be an added advantage.
Language Capability: French preferred
Availability for Assignment Timing: December 2008
Other: Hands-on experience in development programs in developing countries.
REQUESTING ORGANIZATION
Name: ACDI/VOCA
Primary Contact: Kelly Keehan, Project Coordinator
Telephone: 202 879 0260
Address: 50 F Street NW, Washington DC 20001
E-mail: kkeehan@acdivoca.org
Organization Profile
ACDI/VOCA is a private, nonprofit international development organization with 45 years of expertise in technical assistance, market development, capacity building and training in developing countries and emerging democracies. ACDI/VOCA is currently active in over 40 countries worldwide. Under Title II programs in Rwanda, Uganda and Cape Verde, ACDI/VOCA has been addressing the root causes of food insecurity and focusing on sustainability of interventions.
In Cape Verde, ACDI/VOCA has empowered local organizations to construct soil and water conservation works that contribute to agricultural productivity, improve the diets of food-insecure groups by increasing the availability of locally grown fruits and vegetables under appropriate technologies; provided low-income families access to quality microcredit services; and promoted the capacity of local organizations to act as developmental catalysts in their communities. In Rwanda, ACDI/VOCA has promoted agribusinesses, rehabilitated natural resources and improved access to markets through road rehabilitation. ACDI/VOCA has worked to help farmers restore and protect farmland, and promoted crops that are economically appealing to farmers while protecting the natural resource base. ACDI/VOCA has focused on increasing the production of high-quality, shade-grown coffee with a special emphasis on the importance of linkages in the production and marketing chain. Cooperatives have received training to strengthen their business skills and are linked with local banks. In Uganda, ACDI/VOCA has worked throughout the country on food security, agricultural and health initiatives, thereby raising the quality of life for some of Uganda’s most vulnerable populations.
ACDI/VOCA has considerable expertise in the kinds of crops, such as cacao and coffee, that are critical to Haitian smallholder farmer livelihoods and that can reduce environmental vulnerability.
Within ACDI/VOCA, the Food Security and Specialty Crops portfolio has extensive expertise managing Title II and USDA food aid programs and has managed over 900,000 metric tons (MT) of commodity for monetization and direct distribution. In Rwanda and Uganda, ACDI/VOCA has acted as the lead monetizer of Title II vegetable oil utilizing the small-lot sales method. These auctions supply a scarce food commodity and facilitate the reemergence of small-trader activity and an open, competitive market.
Job/Fellowship with the Inter-American Development Bank
Research Fellow Description
Background:
The Bank is implementing the “Sustainability Initiative” which seeks to establish the foundations for implementing the new Environment and Safeguards Compliance Policy and Management’s commitment to the Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations. This includes improving the Bank’s in-house sustainability efforts. To that end in 2007 the Bank launched the Greening of the Bank initiative which includes a series of activities to make the IDB a more environmentally responsible steward and to encourage staff to play an active role in greening both at work and at home. More specifically the initiative includes actions to calculate, reduce and offset the IDB’s carbon footprint and looking at more sustainable commuting options for IDB staff, as well as encouraging reducing Bank-wide mission travel.
Education:
o Master’s Degree or equivalent with emphasis on development issues, ideally with a focus on environmental sustainability, or practical experience implementing greening programs in a facilities management environment.
Experience:
o A minimum of two years work experience working in an environmental/sustainability field;
o Understanding of sustainability and corporate social responsibility issues facing large organizations;
o Understanding/ experience of implementing greening programs;
o Understanding/ experience of implementing carbon neutral strategies;
o Knowledge of Greenhouse Gas Protocol or comparable GHG management methodologies, calculations and emission factors;
o Excellent organizational skills;
o Experience collecting data and collating in Excel format;
o Ability to work independently and resourcefully to meet multiple work demands, while adjusting to shifting priorities;
o Communication skills - comfortable talking to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders;
o Ability to work under pressure in a multitasking environment, acting with a sense of urgency to meet the objectives;
o Enthusiasm, energy, creativity and initiative.
Languages:
o Full proficiency in Spanish and English.
Activities:
Carbon Neutral /Footprint Activities
o Technical development, coordination of and improvements to the Bank wide Greenhouse Gas Inventory and GHG Inventory Management Plan, based on the technical support and guidance of the EPA’s Climate Leaders program.
o Liaison with relevant divisions and departments at HQ to institutionalize the process of collecting, calculating, and maintaining a high-quality inventory; developing a strategy to and coordinating the adoption of an aggressive corporate-wide GHG emission reduction goal to be achieved by the Bank over the next 5 to 10 years.
o Liaison with country offices piloting greening initiatives to identify opportunities to implement new measures to reduce their “footprint”;
Coordination of Greening the Bank program:
· Implementation of the Banks Greening the Bank action plan which includes development of activities related (but not limited) to:
· Energy and resource efficiency (green build);
1 Recycling programs;
2 Greening printing and publications;
3 Greening cafeteria and food services;
4 Responsible travel (business travel and commuting);
5 Sustainable corporate procurement;
6 Green educational materials, events and expos.
Other facilities management, research or organizational tasks as needed.
Reporting Structure:
This position will be located within the IDB Facilities Management Unit
Background:
The Bank is implementing the “Sustainability Initiative” which seeks to establish the foundations for implementing the new Environment and Safeguards Compliance Policy and Management’s commitment to the Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations. This includes improving the Bank’s in-house sustainability efforts. To that end in 2007 the Bank launched the Greening of the Bank initiative which includes a series of activities to make the IDB a more environmentally responsible steward and to encourage staff to play an active role in greening both at work and at home. More specifically the initiative includes actions to calculate, reduce and offset the IDB’s carbon footprint and looking at more sustainable commuting options for IDB staff, as well as encouraging reducing Bank-wide mission travel.
Education:
o Master’s Degree or equivalent with emphasis on development issues, ideally with a focus on environmental sustainability, or practical experience implementing greening programs in a facilities management environment.
Experience:
o A minimum of two years work experience working in an environmental/sustainability field;
o Understanding of sustainability and corporate social responsibility issues facing large organizations;
o Understanding/ experience of implementing greening programs;
o Understanding/ experience of implementing carbon neutral strategies;
o Knowledge of Greenhouse Gas Protocol or comparable GHG management methodologies, calculations and emission factors;
o Excellent organizational skills;
o Experience collecting data and collating in Excel format;
o Ability to work independently and resourcefully to meet multiple work demands, while adjusting to shifting priorities;
o Communication skills - comfortable talking to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders;
o Ability to work under pressure in a multitasking environment, acting with a sense of urgency to meet the objectives;
o Enthusiasm, energy, creativity and initiative.
Languages:
o Full proficiency in Spanish and English.
Activities:
Carbon Neutral /Footprint Activities
o Technical development, coordination of and improvements to the Bank wide Greenhouse Gas Inventory and GHG Inventory Management Plan, based on the technical support and guidance of the EPA’s Climate Leaders program.
o Liaison with relevant divisions and departments at HQ to institutionalize the process of collecting, calculating, and maintaining a high-quality inventory; developing a strategy to and coordinating the adoption of an aggressive corporate-wide GHG emission reduction goal to be achieved by the Bank over the next 5 to 10 years.
o Liaison with country offices piloting greening initiatives to identify opportunities to implement new measures to reduce their “footprint”;
Coordination of Greening the Bank program:
· Implementation of the Banks Greening the Bank action plan which includes development of activities related (but not limited) to:
· Energy and resource efficiency (green build);
1 Recycling programs;
2 Greening printing and publications;
3 Greening cafeteria and food services;
4 Responsible travel (business travel and commuting);
5 Sustainable corporate procurement;
6 Green educational materials, events and expos.
Other facilities management, research or organizational tasks as needed.
Reporting Structure:
This position will be located within the IDB Facilities Management Unit
Sunday, November 23, 2008
For some light relief ...
Check out the antithesis of our blog: the website of the anti-green movement.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
CLASSROOM IN THE WILD IN FLORIDA OVER SPRING BREAK
CLASSROOM IN THE WILD IN FLORIDA OVER SPRING BREAK
SOC’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking is offering students a one-week alternative spring break program in Florida to introduce them to the excitement and challenges of natural history field production.
The program will take place March 7-13, 2009.
This week-long, non-credit class is for both beginner and advanced filmmakers and photographers who have an interest in the environment, natural history and the outdoors.
Led by award-winning filmmaker Wolfgang Obst, the students will learn how to prepare for and organize a shoot, how to handle cameras and record sound, and how to shoot the footage necessary to tell a compelling story.
We’ll be filming from blinds and exploring one of Florida’s most beautiful river environments.
This program will serve as an enjoyable educational experience for aspiring natural history filmmakers and photographers or for anybody interested in communicating environmental issues and natural history subjects.
Classroom in the Wild in Florida will be limited to 12 students (and a minimum of 10).
If you are interested or want to find out more information, please e-mail Prof. Chris Palmer (palmer@american.edu) or call him on (202) 885-3408.
SOC’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking is offering students a one-week alternative spring break program in Florida to introduce them to the excitement and challenges of natural history field production.
The program will take place March 7-13, 2009.
This week-long, non-credit class is for both beginner and advanced filmmakers and photographers who have an interest in the environment, natural history and the outdoors.
Led by award-winning filmmaker Wolfgang Obst, the students will learn how to prepare for and organize a shoot, how to handle cameras and record sound, and how to shoot the footage necessary to tell a compelling story.
We’ll be filming from blinds and exploring one of Florida’s most beautiful river environments.
This program will serve as an enjoyable educational experience for aspiring natural history filmmakers and photographers or for anybody interested in communicating environmental issues and natural history subjects.
Classroom in the Wild in Florida will be limited to 12 students (and a minimum of 10).
If you are interested or want to find out more information, please e-mail Prof. Chris Palmer (palmer@american.edu) or call him on (202) 885-3408.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Internship with Green Group
Great Internship Opportunity with Green Group
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, United States
Organization: Live Green
Area of Focus: Green Living, Environment and Ecology, Social
Enterprise and Economic Development
Start date: January 2, 2009
Language(s): English
End date: December 24, 2009
Paid or unpaid: Unpaid
Description:
We are looking for energetic, reliable, and green-minded interns that
are open to taking on a variety of tasks focused on expanding Live
Green's reach and impact.
Our mission is to make green living easier and more affordable. We
launched in June of '08 and therefore there are ample opportunities to
learn how to make a start up succeed. We are working to grow our
membership base, expand our business network, improve our web
presence, and more. Interns will learn from a highly successful
organizer with 18 years of public interest experience.
Our office is located in Adams Morgan (DC) on 18th Street. Knowledge
of green issues helps but is not required. Willingness to learn,
creativity, and a positive attitude are essential.
We are looking for interns that can work for at least 12 hours per
week for at least one semester -- we are open to more.
Application instructions:
To apply, send your resume and cover letter to contactlivegreen@gmail.com.
Please describe how many hours you can work per week in your cover letter.
Learn more about Live Green at www.livegreen.net.
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, 20009, United States
Organization: Live Green
Area of Focus: Green Living, Environment and Ecology, Social
Enterprise and Economic Development
Start date: January 2, 2009
Language(s): English
End date: December 24, 2009
Paid or unpaid: Unpaid
Description:
We are looking for energetic, reliable, and green-minded interns that
are open to taking on a variety of tasks focused on expanding Live
Green's reach and impact.
Our mission is to make green living easier and more affordable. We
launched in June of '08 and therefore there are ample opportunities to
learn how to make a start up succeed. We are working to grow our
membership base, expand our business network, improve our web
presence, and more. Interns will learn from a highly successful
organizer with 18 years of public interest experience.
Our office is located in Adams Morgan (DC) on 18th Street. Knowledge
of green issues helps but is not required. Willingness to learn,
creativity, and a positive attitude are essential.
We are looking for interns that can work for at least 12 hours per
week for at least one semester -- we are open to more.
Application instructions:
To apply, send your resume and cover letter to contactlivegreen@gmail.com.
Please describe how many hours you can work per week in your cover letter.
Learn more about Live Green at www.livegreen.net.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Job Openings at Positive Energy
Positive Energy was founded on a simple premise: it's time to engage the 300 million Americans who are in the dark about their energy use.
Positive Energy is working to accomplish this through a combination of cutting edge technology, analytic direct marketing, behavioral science and world-class design.
The job descriptions are all at http://www.positiveenergyusa.com/about/jobs.html
postions:
New and DIFFERENT job openings!
- 2 Product Managers
- Dir/VP Finance and Operations
- Dir/VP Marketing
- Engineers (Java, Database, QA)
- Technical Project Manager
- Enterprise sales people
- Enterprise account managers
Positive Energy is working to accomplish this through a combination of cutting edge technology, analytic direct marketing, behavioral science and world-class design.
The job descriptions are all at http://www.positiveenergyusa.com/about/jobs.html
postions:
New and DIFFERENT job openings!
- 2 Product Managers
- Dir/VP Finance and Operations
- Dir/VP Marketing
- Engineers (Java, Database, QA)
- Technical Project Manager
- Enterprise sales people
- Enterprise account managers
Gibbon Sanctuary Blog
A representative of IPPL (The International Primate Protection League) is currently staying at the gibbon sanctuary that my friend runs in Thailand. He is posting his visit on his blog if anyone is interested in getting some experience of what wildlife sanctuary's are like in the field.
http://kericairns.blogspot.com/
-Emily
http://kericairns.blogspot.com/
-Emily
Indigenous Rights and Development Work: Nov. 21, 2008
Respecting Indigenous Rights and Culture in Development Work
Nov. 21st 4:30-6:00 pm
SIS Lounge
Nov. 21st 4:30-6:00 pm
SIS Lounge
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
China vs US Roundtable: Nov. 19, 2008
China vs. US Roundtable: The Race for African Resources and Influence
Moderated by: Professor Deborah Brautigam
When: Wednesday Nov. 19th, 12-1:30 pm
Where: SIS Lounge
All are welcome, coffee/tea and cookies will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
________________________________________________________________
The SIS Student Listserv was established to allow SIS students to disseminate information about upcoming events within the school of international service and free internationally oriented events of interest to the community.
If you have any questions about SIS-L, send an e-mail to sisdeansoffice@american.edu@american.edu.
Moderated by: Professor Deborah Brautigam
When: Wednesday Nov. 19th, 12-1:30 pm
Where: SIS Lounge
All are welcome, coffee/tea and cookies will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
________________________________________________________________
The SIS Student Listserv was established to allow SIS students to disseminate information about upcoming events within the school of international service and free internationally oriented events of interest to the community.
If you have any questions about SIS-L, send an e-mail to sisdeansoffice@american.edu@american.edu.
Fellowship with the Greening Program at the World Bank,
Research Fellow Description
Background:
The Bank is implementing the Sustainability Initiative which seeks to establish the foundations for implementing the new Environment and Safeguards Compliance Policy and Management's commitment to the Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations. This includes improving the Bank's in-house sustainability efforts. To that end in 2007 the Bank launched the Greening of the Bank initiative which includes a series of activities to make the IDB a more environmentally responsible steward and to encourage staff to play an active role in greening both at work and at home. More specifically the initiative includes actions to calculate, reduce and offset the IDB's carbon footprint and looking at more sustainable commuting options for IDB staff, as well as encouraging reducing Bank-wide mission travel.
Education:
Master's Degree or equivalent with emphasis on development issues, ideally with a focus on environmental sustainability, or practical experience implementing greening programs in a facilities management environment.
Experience:
A minimum of two years work experience working in an environmental/sustainability field; Understanding of sustainability and corporate social responsibility issues facing large organizations; Understanding/ experience of implementing greening programs; Understanding/ experience of implementing carbon neutral strategies; Knowledge of Greenhouse Gas Protocol or comparable GHG management methodologies, calculations and emission factors Excellent organizational skills; Experience collecting data and collating in Excel format; Ability to work independently and resourcefully to meet multiple work demands, while adjusting to shifting priorities; Communication skills - comfortable talking to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders; Ability to work under pressure in a multitasking environment, acting with a sense of urgency to meet the objectives; Enthusiasm, energy, creativity and initiative.
Languages:
Full proficiency in Spanish and English.
Activities:
Carbon Neutral /Footprint Activities Technical development, coordination of and improvements to the Bank wide Greenhouse Gas Inventory and GHG Inventory Management Plan, based on the technical support and guidance of the EPA's Climate Leaders program. Liaison with relevant divisions and departments at HQ institutionalize the process of collecting, calculating, and maintaining a high-quality inventory; developing a strategy to and coordinating the adoption of an aggressive corporate-wide GHG emission reduction goal to be achieved by the Bank over the next 5 to 10 years. Liaison with country offices piloting greening initiatives to identify opportunities to implement new measures to reduce their footprint;
Coordination of Greening the Bank program:
·Implementation of the Banks Greening the Bank action plan which includes development of activities related (but not limited) to:
·Energy and resource efficiency (green build);
1 Recycling programs;
2 Greening printing and publications;
3 Greening cafeteria and food services;
4 Responsible travel (business travel and commuting);
5 Sustainable corporate procurement;
6 Green educational materials, events and expos.
Other facilities management, research or organizational tasks as needed.
Reporting Structure:
This position will be located within the IDB Facilities Management Unit
Background:
The Bank is implementing the Sustainability Initiative which seeks to establish the foundations for implementing the new Environment and Safeguards Compliance Policy and Management's commitment to the Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendations. This includes improving the Bank's in-house sustainability efforts. To that end in 2007 the Bank launched the Greening of the Bank initiative which includes a series of activities to make the IDB a more environmentally responsible steward and to encourage staff to play an active role in greening both at work and at home. More specifically the initiative includes actions to calculate, reduce and offset the IDB's carbon footprint and looking at more sustainable commuting options for IDB staff, as well as encouraging reducing Bank-wide mission travel.
Education:
Master's Degree or equivalent with emphasis on development issues, ideally with a focus on environmental sustainability, or practical experience implementing greening programs in a facilities management environment.
Experience:
A minimum of two years work experience working in an environmental/sustainability field; Understanding of sustainability and corporate social responsibility issues facing large organizations; Understanding/ experience of implementing greening programs; Understanding/ experience of implementing carbon neutral strategies; Knowledge of Greenhouse Gas Protocol or comparable GHG management methodologies, calculations and emission factors Excellent organizational skills; Experience collecting data and collating in Excel format; Ability to work independently and resourcefully to meet multiple work demands, while adjusting to shifting priorities; Communication skills - comfortable talking to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders; Ability to work under pressure in a multitasking environment, acting with a sense of urgency to meet the objectives; Enthusiasm, energy, creativity and initiative.
Languages:
Full proficiency in Spanish and English.
Activities:
Carbon Neutral /Footprint Activities Technical development, coordination of and improvements to the Bank wide Greenhouse Gas Inventory and GHG Inventory Management Plan, based on the technical support and guidance of the EPA's Climate Leaders program. Liaison with relevant divisions and departments at HQ institutionalize the process of collecting, calculating, and maintaining a high-quality inventory; developing a strategy to and coordinating the adoption of an aggressive corporate-wide GHG emission reduction goal to be achieved by the Bank over the next 5 to 10 years. Liaison with country offices piloting greening initiatives to identify opportunities to implement new measures to reduce their footprint;
Coordination of Greening the Bank program:
·Implementation of the Banks Greening the Bank action plan which includes development of activities related (but not limited) to:
·Energy and resource efficiency (green build);
1 Recycling programs;
2 Greening printing and publications;
3 Greening cafeteria and food services;
4 Responsible travel (business travel and commuting);
5 Sustainable corporate procurement;
6 Green educational materials, events and expos.
Other facilities management, research or organizational tasks as needed.
Reporting Structure:
This position will be located within the IDB Facilities Management Unit
Monday, November 17, 2008
Non-Profits and Human Rights: Nov. 18, 2008
Explore the Non-Profit Sector and Human Rights
November 18, 2008
6:45 pm in the Clark Conference Room
Sarah Jakiel ‘07 Polaris Project
National Human Trafficking Resource Center Program Manager
Polaris Project's vision is for a world without slavery. Named after the North Star that guided slaves towards freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project has been providing a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery since 2002.
Courtney Spellacy ‘06 Action Aid International
Development Associate
ActionAid is an international anti-poverty agency whose aim is to fight poverty worldwide. Formed in 1972,for over 30 years we have been growing and expanding to where we are today - helping over 13 million of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged people in 42 countries worldwide. Ask the questions you really want to know about IPCR professional opportunities
For more information, contact Hannah at ipcr@american.edu or 202.885.1622
November 18, 2008
6:45 pm in the Clark Conference Room
Sarah Jakiel ‘07 Polaris Project
National Human Trafficking Resource Center Program Manager
Polaris Project's vision is for a world without slavery. Named after the North Star that guided slaves towards freedom along the Underground Railroad, Polaris Project has been providing a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery since 2002.
Courtney Spellacy ‘06 Action Aid International
Development Associate
ActionAid is an international anti-poverty agency whose aim is to fight poverty worldwide. Formed in 1972,for over 30 years we have been growing and expanding to where we are today - helping over 13 million of the world's poorest and most disadvantaged people in 42 countries worldwide. Ask the questions you really want to know about IPCR professional opportunities
For more information, contact Hannah at ipcr@american.edu or 202.885.1622
Food Film: Nov. 19, 2008
*The event is almost sold out. Buy your tickets online to get a seat!*
Don't miss this powerful and emotional film about an L.A. community fighting to save their garden and their livelihood...
Wednesday, November 19th
a 7th Street Garden fundraiser to prep the new garden site!
THE GARDEN
A Film by Scott Hamilton Kennedy
with special preview of The Garden Cyclers movie trailer
At the Goethe Theater (812 7th Street, NW). Doors 6pm. Film Starts 6:30pm.
Enjoy seasonal foods and drinks
Tickets $20 each (though more is appreciated)
Available at the door OR online at America the Beautiful Fund's web site. **If buying online you must write in the Comment box that you are purchasing tickets for The Garden movie.**
View the trailers:
http://www.thegardenmovie.com/trailer
http://womensgardencycles.wordpress.com/
THE GARDEN
BEST DOCUMENTARY, AFI SILVERDOCS FILM FESTIVAL
BEST DOCUMENTARY, CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
This award-winning documentary chronicles the complex and emotional story of the destruction of Los Angeles' South Central Farm. Created from the ashes of the L.A. riots in 1992, the South Central Farm was the largest urban farm in the United States until its destruction in 2006. "The Garden" follows the farmers as they organize and launch an impassioned public battle to save the farm. The film documents the farmers' struggle against the city's backroom deals, and exposes the underlying issues of money, power, poverty and racial discord. The film explores the fault lines in American society, raising crucial and challenging questions about liberty, equality, and justice for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.
Don't miss this powerful and emotional film about an L.A. community fighting to save their garden and their livelihood...
Wednesday, November 19th
a 7th Street Garden fundraiser to prep the new garden site!
THE GARDEN
A Film by Scott Hamilton Kennedy
with special preview of The Garden Cyclers movie trailer
At the Goethe Theater (812 7th Street, NW). Doors 6pm. Film Starts 6:30pm.
Enjoy seasonal foods and drinks
Tickets $20 each (though more is appreciated)
Available at the door OR online at America the Beautiful Fund's web site. **If buying online you must write in the Comment box that you are purchasing tickets for The Garden movie.**
View the trailers:
http://www.thegardenmovie.com/trailer
http://womensgardencycles.wordpress.com/
THE GARDEN
BEST DOCUMENTARY, AFI SILVERDOCS FILM FESTIVAL
BEST DOCUMENTARY, CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
This award-winning documentary chronicles the complex and emotional story of the destruction of Los Angeles' South Central Farm. Created from the ashes of the L.A. riots in 1992, the South Central Farm was the largest urban farm in the United States until its destruction in 2006. "The Garden" follows the farmers as they organize and launch an impassioned public battle to save the farm. The film documents the farmers' struggle against the city's backroom deals, and exposes the underlying issues of money, power, poverty and racial discord. The film explores the fault lines in American society, raising crucial and challenging questions about liberty, equality, and justice for the poorest and most vulnerable among us.
GEP Falculty Search: Nov. 18, 2008
The Global Environmental Politics program is interviewing candidates for faculty positions, and we have a roll to play!
The next talk is tomorrow morning, Tues, Nov 18, from 10:45-12:15 in MGC 245.
The candidate is Graeme Auld, of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.
Auld's talk will be: "Reversal of Fortune: How Early Decisions can Alter the Logic of Market-Based Authority" (with a focus on forest protection).
We should all be there to hear about Auld's work. The talk should be interesting AND we have a great opportunity, as students in the program, to have some input on who will be chosen as instructors for our program. I hope you all will find the time to be there tomorrow, and take part in the discussion with Graeme Auld.
Below is Auld's research statement;
Institutional Development: Examining the origins of private environmental and social governance programs
In a wide range of economic sectors, non-state actors are acquiring governance roles and responsibilities conventionally held by governments. Examples abound. Private conservation organizations have helped implement and enforce park protection policies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Transnational corporations now often use private arbitration, rather than national courts, as a venue for dispute resolution. As well, through their associations, these and other companies are offering codes of conduct as a means to govern an array of company and industry-wide activities. Further still, social and environmental organizations, partnering with businesses, have created private certification programs to regulate economic activities in sectors including coffee, tourism, mining, fisheries, and forestry.
These examples are meant to illustrate an extant shift from a state-centric to a multi-centric system of global governance and to show how governance arrangements writ large are currently in flux. Examining and understanding these emerging models – including where they come from and how they develop and change – is therefore important since their form and content are likely to influence the governance arrangements that persist into the future. To do this, a theory delineating how and why new governance arrangements emerge, why they come in varying forms, and what drives and constrains the changes they undergo once they are established is needed. Although a growing body of work is addressing these and related questions, in a number of ways (which I discuss below) my contribution will be unique.
Codes of conduct and private certification programs serve as the research focal point. For the remainder of this proposal, they are both considered private governance arrangements. They do, however, vary markedly. They vary in what they regulate, how they regulate, how they originate and when, and what they hope to accomplish. This research will examine two facets of the variation: (1) a binary "emerge" – "not-emerge" variation, and (2) a configurational variation measured by what the programs seek to regulate, who is regulated, and who has a stake in governance decision-making. These will permit examining three theoretical questions: (1) where governance innovation comes from, (2) whether, and if yes, how do early decisions made by private governance programs and the ideas these different actions embody form paths constraining future decisions and (3) through what processes are governance innovations generalized across issue areas.
The next talk is tomorrow morning, Tues, Nov 18, from 10:45-12:15 in MGC 245.
The candidate is Graeme Auld, of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.
Auld's talk will be: "Reversal of Fortune: How Early Decisions can Alter the Logic of Market-Based Authority" (with a focus on forest protection).
We should all be there to hear about Auld's work. The talk should be interesting AND we have a great opportunity, as students in the program, to have some input on who will be chosen as instructors for our program. I hope you all will find the time to be there tomorrow, and take part in the discussion with Graeme Auld.
Below is Auld's research statement;
Institutional Development: Examining the origins of private environmental and social governance programs
In a wide range of economic sectors, non-state actors are acquiring governance roles and responsibilities conventionally held by governments. Examples abound. Private conservation organizations have helped implement and enforce park protection policies in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Transnational corporations now often use private arbitration, rather than national courts, as a venue for dispute resolution. As well, through their associations, these and other companies are offering codes of conduct as a means to govern an array of company and industry-wide activities. Further still, social and environmental organizations, partnering with businesses, have created private certification programs to regulate economic activities in sectors including coffee, tourism, mining, fisheries, and forestry.
These examples are meant to illustrate an extant shift from a state-centric to a multi-centric system of global governance and to show how governance arrangements writ large are currently in flux. Examining and understanding these emerging models – including where they come from and how they develop and change – is therefore important since their form and content are likely to influence the governance arrangements that persist into the future. To do this, a theory delineating how and why new governance arrangements emerge, why they come in varying forms, and what drives and constrains the changes they undergo once they are established is needed. Although a growing body of work is addressing these and related questions, in a number of ways (which I discuss below) my contribution will be unique.
Codes of conduct and private certification programs serve as the research focal point. For the remainder of this proposal, they are both considered private governance arrangements. They do, however, vary markedly. They vary in what they regulate, how they regulate, how they originate and when, and what they hope to accomplish. This research will examine two facets of the variation: (1) a binary "emerge" – "not-emerge" variation, and (2) a configurational variation measured by what the programs seek to regulate, who is regulated, and who has a stake in governance decision-making. These will permit examining three theoretical questions: (1) where governance innovation comes from, (2) whether, and if yes, how do early decisions made by private governance programs and the ideas these different actions embody form paths constraining future decisions and (3) through what processes are governance innovations generalized across issue areas.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Climate Action Rally: Nov. 18, 2008
Rally for Climate Action Now!
November 18, 2008
12:00 PM
Join us on Tuesday, November 18th at 12 noon as hundreds come together on Capitol Hill to call for Climate Action Now! We will be welcoming our newly elected leaders and calling upon President-elect Obama to attend the crucial United Nations Climate Conference in Poznan, Poland in December.
REGISTER BELOW!
As we rally in DC, actions will also be taking place at literally hundreds of local congressional offices around the country with the same message: Climate Action Now!
Speakers:
Congressman Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland
Bill McKibben, founder, 350.org, noted author and climate activist
Mike Tidwell, executive director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Gillian Caldwell, campaign director, 1Sky
Ali Adler, student, University of MD at College Park
Meena Raman, Chair, Friends of the Earth International
Adam Taylor, Senior Political Director, Sojourners
Nia Robinson, Director, Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative
Bracken Hendricks, Center for American Politics
After the rally, delegations will deliver welcome-and-take-action cards to President-elect's office and to the offices of members of Congress.
Make plans to participate in this important day of action!
Send this call to action out to friends and co-workers!
We look forward to seeing you on November 18th
Address
Upper Senate Park
Washington, DC
Contact
ted@chesapeakeclimate.org
November 18, 2008
12:00 PM
Join us on Tuesday, November 18th at 12 noon as hundreds come together on Capitol Hill to call for Climate Action Now! We will be welcoming our newly elected leaders and calling upon President-elect Obama to attend the crucial United Nations Climate Conference in Poznan, Poland in December.
REGISTER BELOW!
As we rally in DC, actions will also be taking place at literally hundreds of local congressional offices around the country with the same message: Climate Action Now!
Speakers:
Congressman Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland
Bill McKibben, founder, 350.org, noted author and climate activist
Mike Tidwell, executive director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network
Gillian Caldwell, campaign director, 1Sky
Ali Adler, student, University of MD at College Park
Meena Raman, Chair, Friends of the Earth International
Adam Taylor, Senior Political Director, Sojourners
Nia Robinson, Director, Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative
Bracken Hendricks, Center for American Politics
After the rally, delegations will deliver welcome-and-take-action cards to President-elect's office and to the offices of members of Congress.
Make plans to participate in this important day of action!
Send this call to action out to friends and co-workers!
We look forward to seeing you on November 18th
Address
Upper Senate Park
Washington, DC
Contact
ted@chesapeakeclimate.org
Friday, November 14, 2008
Merit Awards Information Session: Nov. 19, 2008
Join the Office of Merit Awards for an information session on
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
4 PM in MGC 200
The Pickering Undergraduate and Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowships programs provide funding to participants as they are prepared academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply. http://www.woodrow.org/fellowships/foreign_affairs/pickering_undergrad/index.php
The Rangel Fellowship is a collaborative effort between Howard University and the U.S. Department of State, seeks to attract outstanding young people who have an interest in pursuing a career in the Foreign Service of the U. S. Department of State. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need. http://www.howard.edu/rjb/rangelprogram.htm
RSVP: http://eagleeye.american.edu/careercenter/details.cfm?event_ID=4423
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
4 PM in MGC 200
The Pickering Undergraduate and Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowships programs provide funding to participants as they are prepared academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply. http://www.woodrow.org/fellowships/foreign_affairs/pickering_undergrad/index.php
The Rangel Fellowship is a collaborative effort between Howard University and the U.S. Department of State, seeks to attract outstanding young people who have an interest in pursuing a career in the Foreign Service of the U. S. Department of State. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need. http://www.howard.edu/rjb/rangelprogram.htm
RSVP: http://eagleeye.american.edu/careercenter/details.cfm?event_ID=4423
People's Summit Forum: Nov. 14-26, 2008
November 14-16 2008
Forum will be held November 15th at Luther Place, 1226 Vermont Ave NW
People's Summit Against the G20
While George W. Bush hosts a meeting to promote flawed top-down ideology, IPS and friends invite you to a summit for "the rest of us."
We know the global financial crisis cannot be fixed by those who created it. Join us this weekend for the People's Summit to demand new ideas, people over profit, and democratic control over resources.Nine events are planned for the summit this weekend. For the full schedule of events, please visit Global Justice Action. The weekend's activities will culminate in a People's Forum on Saturday, November 15 and will include:
* An introduction to the financial crisis and its foundation in global capitalism
* Breakout groups, with experts, to further explore energy, the housing crisis, and other factors that contributed to the financial crisis
* A fishbowl discussion on alternatives to capitalism, exploring local, national and global models
* A movement discussion and networking opportunities
The closing panel on international perspectives will feature:
* Martin Khor, Director of the Third World Network, and board member of the International Forum on Globalization
* Njoki Njehu, long-time Director of the Fifty Years is Enough Network
* Lidy Nacpil, Filipina activist and long-time leader of Jubilee South
* Moderator: John Cavanagh, Director, Institute for Policy Studies
Read the Global Call to learn more about the People's Forum and add your voice to those calling for a new, democratized economic system.
Sponsors: Bank Information Center, Casa de Maryland, Global Justice Action, International Forum on Globalization, Institute for Policy Studies, Jobs with Justice, Students for a Democratic Society, US Action, and the Washington Peace Center
Forum will be held November 15th at Luther Place, 1226 Vermont Ave NW
People's Summit Against the G20
While George W. Bush hosts a meeting to promote flawed top-down ideology, IPS and friends invite you to a summit for "the rest of us."
We know the global financial crisis cannot be fixed by those who created it. Join us this weekend for the People's Summit to demand new ideas, people over profit, and democratic control over resources.Nine events are planned for the summit this weekend. For the full schedule of events, please visit Global Justice Action. The weekend's activities will culminate in a People's Forum on Saturday, November 15 and will include:
* An introduction to the financial crisis and its foundation in global capitalism
* Breakout groups, with experts, to further explore energy, the housing crisis, and other factors that contributed to the financial crisis
* A fishbowl discussion on alternatives to capitalism, exploring local, national and global models
* A movement discussion and networking opportunities
The closing panel on international perspectives will feature:
* Martin Khor, Director of the Third World Network, and board member of the International Forum on Globalization
* Njoki Njehu, long-time Director of the Fifty Years is Enough Network
* Lidy Nacpil, Filipina activist and long-time leader of Jubilee South
* Moderator: John Cavanagh, Director, Institute for Policy Studies
Read the Global Call to learn more about the People's Forum and add your voice to those calling for a new, democratized economic system.
Sponsors: Bank Information Center, Casa de Maryland, Global Justice Action, International Forum on Globalization, Institute for Policy Studies, Jobs with Justice, Students for a Democratic Society, US Action, and the Washington Peace Center
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Climate Change Discussion: Dec. 3, 2008
Organizing Federal Government to Address Climate Change
Congressional and other proposals to address climate change assign new responsibilities to existing federal agencies and in some cases, suggest governmental reorganization or wholly new agencies. Some plans would move climate-related activities of the federal government well beyond those provided under the 1990 Global Change Research Act and embodied in the current Climate Change Science Program and Climate Change Technology Program.
For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may assume a large role in managing greenhouse gas emissions. Some Congressional proposals call for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a "National Climate Service" modeled after the National Weather Service. Recently, several former government leaders have suggested merging NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey into a combined "Earth System Science Agency" for managing new information requirements about the physical and socioeconomic dimensions of a changing climate and to support policy-related decisionmaking.
Our panel will discuss how best to organize federal agencies for effective governance in addressing climate change, and will also cover regulation, diplomacy and international engagement, science and information, and economic policy.
Who: Moderator: Molly K. Macauley, Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future
Panelists include:
John H. Gibbons, former Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
William Hooke, Director, Policy, American Meteorological Society
Dina Kruger, Director, Climate Change Division, US Environmental Protection Agency
Nigel Purvis, Visiting Scholar, Resources for the Future; and President, Climate Advisers
What: RFF First Wednesday Seminar
When: Wednesday, December 3, 12:45 – 2 p.m.
A light buffet lunch will be available at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Resources for the Future, 1616 P Street NW, Washington, DC
First Floor Conference Center
To R.S.V.P. for this event, please visit RFF's event registration page.
At RFF's monthly First Wednesday Seminar Series, scholars and experts exchange ideas and views with the RFF community on important energy, environmental, and natural resource topics.
Congressional and other proposals to address climate change assign new responsibilities to existing federal agencies and in some cases, suggest governmental reorganization or wholly new agencies. Some plans would move climate-related activities of the federal government well beyond those provided under the 1990 Global Change Research Act and embodied in the current Climate Change Science Program and Climate Change Technology Program.
For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may assume a large role in managing greenhouse gas emissions. Some Congressional proposals call for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a "National Climate Service" modeled after the National Weather Service. Recently, several former government leaders have suggested merging NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey into a combined "Earth System Science Agency" for managing new information requirements about the physical and socioeconomic dimensions of a changing climate and to support policy-related decisionmaking.
Our panel will discuss how best to organize federal agencies for effective governance in addressing climate change, and will also cover regulation, diplomacy and international engagement, science and information, and economic policy.
Who: Moderator: Molly K. Macauley, Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future
Panelists include:
John H. Gibbons, former Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
William Hooke, Director, Policy, American Meteorological Society
Dina Kruger, Director, Climate Change Division, US Environmental Protection Agency
Nigel Purvis, Visiting Scholar, Resources for the Future; and President, Climate Advisers
What: RFF First Wednesday Seminar
When: Wednesday, December 3, 12:45 – 2 p.m.
A light buffet lunch will be available at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Resources for the Future, 1616 P Street NW, Washington, DC
First Floor Conference Center
To R.S.V.P. for this event, please visit RFF's event registration page.
At RFF's monthly First Wednesday Seminar Series, scholars and experts exchange ideas and views with the RFF community on important energy, environmental, and natural resource topics.
DC Ocean Film Festival: Nov. 19, 2008
WASHINGTON DC OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL
Showcasing the “Best of the Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival”
Don't miss the upcoming "Best of the Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival" on Wednesday, November 19 at American University’s Greenberg Theatre (4200 Wisconsin Ave).
Featuring visually stunning shorts and heart-pounding adrenaline films, this Ocean Film Fest promises a great line-up of award winning films.
Sponsored by American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking, the Ocean Channel, The Ocean Foundation, IMAX, Filmmakers for Conservation, and Oceans 8.
Location: Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave (near Tenley/AU metro)
Time: Festival starts at 7:30 pm. Light reception starting at 6:30 pm.
Tickets: $10/adults, $5 students/children
Tickets can be purchased on Greenberg Theatre website at http://www.american.edu/academic.depts/cas/greenberg/index.cfm
For more information, please go to the web site – www.ocean.com or www.environmentalfilm.org
Showcasing the “Best of the Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival”
Don't miss the upcoming "Best of the Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival" on Wednesday, November 19 at American University’s Greenberg Theatre (4200 Wisconsin Ave).
Featuring visually stunning shorts and heart-pounding adrenaline films, this Ocean Film Fest promises a great line-up of award winning films.
Sponsored by American University’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking, the Ocean Channel, The Ocean Foundation, IMAX, Filmmakers for Conservation, and Oceans 8.
Location: Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave (near Tenley/AU metro)
Time: Festival starts at 7:30 pm. Light reception starting at 6:30 pm.
Tickets: $10/adults, $5 students/children
Tickets can be purchased on Greenberg Theatre website at http://www.american.edu/academic.depts/cas/greenberg/index.cfm
For more information, please go to the web site – www.ocean.com or www.environmentalfilm.org
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
American Rivers Fellowship
American Rivers has begun to accept applications for the 2009-2010 Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship. The Lapham Fellowship was established in 2008 in honor of the memory of Anthony Lapham, lifelong champion for rivers and former chairman of the American Rivers Board of Directors.
The Fellowship gives talented post-graduates the opportunity to engage in relevant research and work in the field of river conservation. Our current Lapham Fellow is conducting exciting research to define and illustrate community resilience in the face of climate change.
If you know any exceptional postgraduates interested in contributing to American Rivers’ work on climate change adaptation and resilience, please direct them to www.americanrivers.org/fellowship. The position is one year (full time), and a stipend is provided.
Any further questions can be directed to Rob Kimball (Rkimball@americanrivers.org).
The Fellowship gives talented post-graduates the opportunity to engage in relevant research and work in the field of river conservation. Our current Lapham Fellow is conducting exciting research to define and illustrate community resilience in the face of climate change.
If you know any exceptional postgraduates interested in contributing to American Rivers’ work on climate change adaptation and resilience, please direct them to www.americanrivers.org/fellowship. The position is one year (full time), and a stipend is provided.
Any further questions can be directed to Rob Kimball (Rkimball@americanrivers.org).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Lorax Redux Deux
“The Lorax” is a much-loved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss. It is also considered by many an environmental primer, much-read in schools and at bedtimes around the world.
In the story, the forest home of the Lorax is threatened by a bustling entrepreneur named the Once-ler. The Once-ler sets up a manufacturing business to turn the forest’s fluffy Truffula Trees into knitted garments called “Thneeds.” As his business rapidly expands it becomes more and more destructive, until the last Truffula Tree is felled. The region is left abandoned, in ruins.
On the book’s final pages, the Once-ler reveals that he has one remaining Truffula Tree seed, which he deposits into the hands of a small boy. Plant this seed, the book seems to say, and save the planet.
In my environmental politics course, we wondered, is planting a tree the height of our political creativity? Or are there other actions that should also be taken by those concerned with fostering ecological wellbeing? How would the story continue if the Once-ler were to talk about the sources of REAL political change?
Here, in true Dr. Seuss fashion, is what my class came up with:
Quoth the Once-ler:
The Street of the Lifted Lorax is all that remains
From the day the Lorax cried out in vain
"I am the Lorax, I speak for the Trees"
Since trees don't have tongues you see
Yet I did not listen, I cut, cut, cut
down all the Truffulas, and now what?
The message is clear: there’s no hope unless
Your generation confronts this big mess!
You can start by planting more trees,
And disregarding those silly Thneeds!
No one needs them, they are a waste,
You must live a sustainable life, now make haste!
Some may say “But no Thneeds, what will we do?”
You must shout back “Thneeds are not for you!”
Don’t be greedy and take everything,
We need to leave something so the birds can sing
Change your light bulbs to the more efficient variety
It is time to practice some established propriety
Stop dumping your trash in our harbors and streams
Stop polluting the air and distorting the sun's beams
Reducing, reusing, recycling’s a breeze
Living green is delightful and fun, don’t you see?
But before now you get too too carried away
Take a breath, for there’s something more I must say
The fact is these small steps alone will not do
So let’s think about a green path straight and true
While individual action is good and dandy,
You have to be a citizen if you want to be handy
Riding a bike, planting some trees;
That’s a good start, but it won’t save the wallabies
I’ll go to Whole foods to help the environment.
I’ll buy bushels of organic in all their refinement.
Carrots, and cucumbers, and all the right stuff.
I’ll fill up my basket, will it be enough?
But the problem, you see, is not in organic.
It is buying food that was grown in Chile, Nepal, and all the Slovanics!
Shipping it here uses so much gas.
That at the end of the day, it would be better to fast!
So, what are we to do?
Well, it’s time to step up as citizens and act,
As consumers we are on the wrong track,
In the past I asked that you purchase those thneeds,
But the planet cannot survive without presence of trees!
What does purchasing thneeds mean anyway?
Do they make us happier, day by day?
Our value should not be determined by buying,
Let's listen to the Lorax and stop our denying
Step back from society's cycle of greed,
See all that money, that's not what you need!
The green we need, comes from the ground
So get out a shovel & give that dirt a pound!
Talk with your mouth
Talk with your hands
Talk with your actions
Don’t bury your head in the sand
Get out in the world
Go on, say your piece
You may find that you count a lot more than you think
If you have something to say, say it loud
Gather your thoughts and stir up a crowd
And so I say:
Riding your cycler
Planting a tree
Not littering and recycling
Are all well and good
But working with friends
The fun never ends
Thinking of big ideas
Writing emails and making phone calls
Attending meetings and organizing events
Affecting change
Is where the most can be gained
If we want to make the world a better place(s)
Start a movement; you and your friends need to show your faces
Because our environment
Lacks the power of speech
It's our responsibility
To learn and to teach
Ideas need fresh air
And ample room to breathe
To formulate and excogitate
Or else they'll only seethe
Take your humble thoughts
And lead them on a walk
Let them build their courage
To change our world with talk
Just get out there!
Hey you there,
My friend
Sitting at the dead end,
There's no time for rest,
Let's save the earth,
We'll do our best!
Gather your friends, start a movement,
This is the true road to improvement
Take some action, find your gumption,
Let’s steer away from consumption
Don’t wait until you’re twenty or thirty,
By then, the air will be much too dirty
Be strong and make your voice be heard;
After all, what’s wrong with getting the Earth insured?
Take a step back and look all around,
Solutions are here, they need to be found
Two heads are better than one, five better than four;
To work towards a bright future, with possibilities galore
We need to think about it.
And, we need to act.
Because the truth is, things right now are looking grim …
If the Earth could speak, what would it say?
What would it be like to walk in Earth's shoes for a day?
Is it impossible? A feat only to be imagined within our minds?
No! it's quite easy. You only need to understand Earth's language: signs
Take the ocean for instance, a liquid enigma once vibrant and alive;
It’s being over-fished, making it difficult for these ecosystems to repopulate and survive
The ocean is viewed as a profitable territory that humans believe they inherently own;
And through careless irrigation techniques, their pollution has turned it into a dead zone
Global warming it bleeds
An infectious disease
Derived from our passion
Our need and greed to be fashioned.
At the top of our class
Never happy finishing last
Our greed will bring poverty
To the world's natural harmony
Society seems at the top of its game
And carbon emission is one of the factors we've gained
We cannot wait, no we cannot hide
We are not to complain when we begin to be fried
What began as a planet of trees, birds, and fauna
Is rapidly changing into a climatic sauna
Biodiversity is lost, it's the end of the wild
What will happen to future's man, woman, and child?
If we want to assure a prosperous future
We must begin to repair our earth with a delicate suture
Mend the cracks, repair the skin
The atmosphere is not our trash bin!
There are easy solutions to this complex dilemma
Start by looking to the sun and appreciate its analemma
The oceans are drying, the deserts are wet
We need to protect our planet its not just our pet
We’ve lost so much and we think we’ve come far
But in reality we’re lost because of these polluting cars
Take a look at the dear planet’s deep scars,
Oh my! What have we done?
Like cigarette tar to a healthy lung!
So where’s the map? Where can it possibly be?
We need a leader to guide the way to be free
Free from the stuff that guides us nowhere
Dictates our ways and the products for our hair
Your government, that’s who you should ask;
So far, they haven’t been up to the task
“Please, do you have any good ideas?
The world is warming up, from here to Tanzania!”
With species extincting at a rapid speed
The earth's protection has become our number one need
Talk to your Congressmen about doing some action
It's their responsibility to facilitate your plan's traction
We must rally the congress,
Send out our letters,
For all of that action,
Can only bring better
So find your congressman,
Give him a call,
Because you're a voice for the people,
You'll help better us all!
And don’t forget Obama, our next President…
We must demand he act on the promises he made,
Sign that darn Kyoto it's time to be brave,
Lets make the U.S. a leader of sorts
Or else this planet may be up for the worst!
Remind him global warming is not a partisan topic,
It’s an issue for Washington, Beijing, and the tropics,
No longer the days of President Reagan,
President Obama, let’s get on the road to Copenhagen!
The structures of the world may perpetuate the issues,
But now is not the time to sit and sniffle in a tissue,
Together, as citizens, we can lobby the Senate!
Make the public aware, with cartoons by Clay Bennett
Your voice is powerful; don’t listen to the nay-sayers,
The skeptics, the deniers, and the delayers,
Let’s consider science carefully and not just reject,
The figures that the IPCC projects,
These challenges and pitfalls can be hard to endure,
But your clear mind and hope will fight on—I’m sure!
It’s going to be hard and long, I know
But in 2 billion years the planet will thank you so
Remember:
Only take what you need,
Leave the rest for the rest,
That is the only way the Earth will be best.
For each has a duty to give what was lost
Stop this consumption, it comes at a cost!
Weather is changing.
Weather is changed by us.
What should we do?
We should conserve.
We should think.
Ask:
Who needs giant SUVs?
Who needs wars?
Who needs poverty?
Who doesn't need clean water?
Who doesn't need a good environment?
Consider:
We must think about what we really need.
We need clean water.
We need a good environment.
We really don't need SUVs.
No one wants wars and poverty.
Make a pledge:
No longer will we do bad things unto thee
No longer will we think uncarefully
No pollution, no waste,
No more disgrace
The wonderful place
That perpetuates our race
We have much to do
And without further ado
Now's when we need to take the time to discuss
The fact that our actions can no longer be nonpluss!
The damage is in motion
Species are making commotion
There is much to get done
It's your problem, my problem, the world's problem son!
So get out there
Ride your bike, plant a tree and lobby your people
Let them know that the Earth is so feeble
We need government changes from top down to us
The Lorax would tell us that this is a must!
It is hard to ignore
Our need for a natural rapport
It is difficult to embrace
That the degradation inflicted is an awful disgrace
Don't put down your head or become defeated
You're smart and resourceful and know what's needed!
To turn off the water when brushing your teeth
To jump on the bus, or on a bike to preserve the heath!
We can set up farmers markets in our hometowns,
Support local farmers from tumbling down,
Into a market system that will make you frown,
Together we can protect our planet from the North, South, all-around!
It's your job, it's my job, it's easy to see
That we are essentially the earth's trustee
As we approach midnight on the ticking clock
It's time to look around and take stock
The polar bears need saving,
The grizzly bears are craving
For a space that's clean, green, and mild
We can help preserve and protect the wishes of the wild
This is a rhyme that strengthens with time
To continue our destruction would be an unforgivable crime
Please be kind to mother earth
For it is right, for all she's worth
Here's a rhyme that strengthens with age
Please be kind to green things like basil and sage
Let it be known to all things grown
That humanity will do everything to begin to atone
Remember the precious Earth
More precious than rubies,
Blood diamonds and uncut beauties
For once she is gone,
Life has no song.
And then, silence…
Lastly the Once-ler looked the boy in the eye
“Look sharp now, I have one more lesson in mind
Listen well to this story, and pay it great heed
You must tend it, and spread it, and use it to lead”
This is a story of a sphere of land
Where once upon a time there was no supply or demand
This place was called Earth
And this Earth gave birth
To googles of life that lived their lives with great mirth
The Earth looked so blue
Because it not only had land, there were oceans too
And the Garoos and Hifters that lived in that place
With their neighboring Barows and Nebuls did deeply embrace
Their own love of the different shapes
The land and ocean and air would take
In Barroulous caverns the Barows lived with Spekows and Kains
While Garoos and Hifters lived upon wide open plains
And the Nebuls swam among coral reefs in deep blue water
Little did any of them know
That their good friends the Humans
Were beginning to discover things about their planet
Such as how to make countertops out of granite
That one day would lead to their slaughter
Every creature
Down on Earth
Liked Earth a lot...
But the Humans,
Who owned the Earth,
Did NOT!
The Humans hated Earth! They hated each season!
Now, please don't ask why, no one quite knows the reason.
It could be because they ruled above all,
It could be, perhaps, that Earth was too small.
But these Humans nonetheless were careless in fashion,
And took all they could without rhyme or ration.
So
Whatever the reason,
Their heads or their hearts,
They ran around careless using all of Earth's parts,
Taking whatever from the ground and the trees;
Even polluting the air and the seas!
For what we knew every Human on Earth
Was wasting the Earth for all it was worth.
"They're killing me slowly! This sure is not fair!
I give all they need! I wish they would care!"
And then the Earth sighed, looked down with compassion,
"I MUST find a way to teach Humans some passion!"
So Earth, said a prayer...
And SO
...All Humans, All Humans, with all of their flaws
Would wake up that morning and put life on pause!
And then! To find a cause! They'd find a cause!
That's how they'd fix Earth! With a round of applause they'd each find a cause!
Then Humans, young and old, would all volunteer.
They'd engineer! Pioneer! Make smog disappear!
Persevere! Hold Earth dear! Here Here! Here Here!
They'd start from the front, and move to the rear!
They'd do all they could to save their great Sphere!
And THEN
They patched up Earth from its wearing and tearing,
And Earth was pleased Humans finally were caring!
They stood close together, with hand in one hand,
For Earth had been saved! They saved their great land!
When they tried! And they tried!
AND they TRIED! TRIED! TRIED! TRIED!
They fixed up their Earth from the out to inside!
They came together, each one, worldwide!
All because they stopped and they stared
Listened to Earth, and finally cared,
And with just a little passion
Earth was repaired
And so my friend, take heart
The words of the Lorax still echo today,
They ring true in my ears and are here to stay
Please join us now in this call for action
We can already envision positive reactions
From the birds to the bees, to your mom and dad,
They raised caring folk that aren’t half bad
You see, things can change when there’s a strong start,
It’s people like you who care with all your heart
So perk up your ears for here is what I recommend;
Mother Nature is our buddy, and it is she whom we must defend
For without her there would be no mountains or the deep blue sea,
Now start a revolution, aujourd’hui!
Working together is necessary, it’s true
It all can’t be done if we’re missing you!
In the story, the forest home of the Lorax is threatened by a bustling entrepreneur named the Once-ler. The Once-ler sets up a manufacturing business to turn the forest’s fluffy Truffula Trees into knitted garments called “Thneeds.” As his business rapidly expands it becomes more and more destructive, until the last Truffula Tree is felled. The region is left abandoned, in ruins.
On the book’s final pages, the Once-ler reveals that he has one remaining Truffula Tree seed, which he deposits into the hands of a small boy. Plant this seed, the book seems to say, and save the planet.
In my environmental politics course, we wondered, is planting a tree the height of our political creativity? Or are there other actions that should also be taken by those concerned with fostering ecological wellbeing? How would the story continue if the Once-ler were to talk about the sources of REAL political change?
Here, in true Dr. Seuss fashion, is what my class came up with:
Quoth the Once-ler:
The Street of the Lifted Lorax is all that remains
From the day the Lorax cried out in vain
"I am the Lorax, I speak for the Trees"
Since trees don't have tongues you see
Yet I did not listen, I cut, cut, cut
down all the Truffulas, and now what?
The message is clear: there’s no hope unless
Your generation confronts this big mess!
You can start by planting more trees,
And disregarding those silly Thneeds!
No one needs them, they are a waste,
You must live a sustainable life, now make haste!
Some may say “But no Thneeds, what will we do?”
You must shout back “Thneeds are not for you!”
Don’t be greedy and take everything,
We need to leave something so the birds can sing
Change your light bulbs to the more efficient variety
It is time to practice some established propriety
Stop dumping your trash in our harbors and streams
Stop polluting the air and distorting the sun's beams
Reducing, reusing, recycling’s a breeze
Living green is delightful and fun, don’t you see?
But before now you get too too carried away
Take a breath, for there’s something more I must say
The fact is these small steps alone will not do
So let’s think about a green path straight and true
While individual action is good and dandy,
You have to be a citizen if you want to be handy
Riding a bike, planting some trees;
That’s a good start, but it won’t save the wallabies
I’ll go to Whole foods to help the environment.
I’ll buy bushels of organic in all their refinement.
Carrots, and cucumbers, and all the right stuff.
I’ll fill up my basket, will it be enough?
But the problem, you see, is not in organic.
It is buying food that was grown in Chile, Nepal, and all the Slovanics!
Shipping it here uses so much gas.
That at the end of the day, it would be better to fast!
So, what are we to do?
Well, it’s time to step up as citizens and act,
As consumers we are on the wrong track,
In the past I asked that you purchase those thneeds,
But the planet cannot survive without presence of trees!
What does purchasing thneeds mean anyway?
Do they make us happier, day by day?
Our value should not be determined by buying,
Let's listen to the Lorax and stop our denying
Step back from society's cycle of greed,
See all that money, that's not what you need!
The green we need, comes from the ground
So get out a shovel & give that dirt a pound!
Talk with your mouth
Talk with your hands
Talk with your actions
Don’t bury your head in the sand
Get out in the world
Go on, say your piece
You may find that you count a lot more than you think
If you have something to say, say it loud
Gather your thoughts and stir up a crowd
And so I say:
Riding your cycler
Planting a tree
Not littering and recycling
Are all well and good
But working with friends
The fun never ends
Thinking of big ideas
Writing emails and making phone calls
Attending meetings and organizing events
Affecting change
Is where the most can be gained
If we want to make the world a better place(s)
Start a movement; you and your friends need to show your faces
Because our environment
Lacks the power of speech
It's our responsibility
To learn and to teach
Ideas need fresh air
And ample room to breathe
To formulate and excogitate
Or else they'll only seethe
Take your humble thoughts
And lead them on a walk
Let them build their courage
To change our world with talk
Just get out there!
Hey you there,
My friend
Sitting at the dead end,
There's no time for rest,
Let's save the earth,
We'll do our best!
Gather your friends, start a movement,
This is the true road to improvement
Take some action, find your gumption,
Let’s steer away from consumption
Don’t wait until you’re twenty or thirty,
By then, the air will be much too dirty
Be strong and make your voice be heard;
After all, what’s wrong with getting the Earth insured?
Take a step back and look all around,
Solutions are here, they need to be found
Two heads are better than one, five better than four;
To work towards a bright future, with possibilities galore
We need to think about it.
And, we need to act.
Because the truth is, things right now are looking grim …
If the Earth could speak, what would it say?
What would it be like to walk in Earth's shoes for a day?
Is it impossible? A feat only to be imagined within our minds?
No! it's quite easy. You only need to understand Earth's language: signs
Take the ocean for instance, a liquid enigma once vibrant and alive;
It’s being over-fished, making it difficult for these ecosystems to repopulate and survive
The ocean is viewed as a profitable territory that humans believe they inherently own;
And through careless irrigation techniques, their pollution has turned it into a dead zone
Global warming it bleeds
An infectious disease
Derived from our passion
Our need and greed to be fashioned.
At the top of our class
Never happy finishing last
Our greed will bring poverty
To the world's natural harmony
Society seems at the top of its game
And carbon emission is one of the factors we've gained
We cannot wait, no we cannot hide
We are not to complain when we begin to be fried
What began as a planet of trees, birds, and fauna
Is rapidly changing into a climatic sauna
Biodiversity is lost, it's the end of the wild
What will happen to future's man, woman, and child?
If we want to assure a prosperous future
We must begin to repair our earth with a delicate suture
Mend the cracks, repair the skin
The atmosphere is not our trash bin!
There are easy solutions to this complex dilemma
Start by looking to the sun and appreciate its analemma
The oceans are drying, the deserts are wet
We need to protect our planet its not just our pet
We’ve lost so much and we think we’ve come far
But in reality we’re lost because of these polluting cars
Take a look at the dear planet’s deep scars,
Oh my! What have we done?
Like cigarette tar to a healthy lung!
So where’s the map? Where can it possibly be?
We need a leader to guide the way to be free
Free from the stuff that guides us nowhere
Dictates our ways and the products for our hair
Your government, that’s who you should ask;
So far, they haven’t been up to the task
“Please, do you have any good ideas?
The world is warming up, from here to Tanzania!”
With species extincting at a rapid speed
The earth's protection has become our number one need
Talk to your Congressmen about doing some action
It's their responsibility to facilitate your plan's traction
We must rally the congress,
Send out our letters,
For all of that action,
Can only bring better
So find your congressman,
Give him a call,
Because you're a voice for the people,
You'll help better us all!
And don’t forget Obama, our next President…
We must demand he act on the promises he made,
Sign that darn Kyoto it's time to be brave,
Lets make the U.S. a leader of sorts
Or else this planet may be up for the worst!
Remind him global warming is not a partisan topic,
It’s an issue for Washington, Beijing, and the tropics,
No longer the days of President Reagan,
President Obama, let’s get on the road to Copenhagen!
The structures of the world may perpetuate the issues,
But now is not the time to sit and sniffle in a tissue,
Together, as citizens, we can lobby the Senate!
Make the public aware, with cartoons by Clay Bennett
Your voice is powerful; don’t listen to the nay-sayers,
The skeptics, the deniers, and the delayers,
Let’s consider science carefully and not just reject,
The figures that the IPCC projects,
These challenges and pitfalls can be hard to endure,
But your clear mind and hope will fight on—I’m sure!
It’s going to be hard and long, I know
But in 2 billion years the planet will thank you so
Remember:
Only take what you need,
Leave the rest for the rest,
That is the only way the Earth will be best.
For each has a duty to give what was lost
Stop this consumption, it comes at a cost!
Weather is changing.
Weather is changed by us.
What should we do?
We should conserve.
We should think.
Ask:
Who needs giant SUVs?
Who needs wars?
Who needs poverty?
Who doesn't need clean water?
Who doesn't need a good environment?
Consider:
We must think about what we really need.
We need clean water.
We need a good environment.
We really don't need SUVs.
No one wants wars and poverty.
Make a pledge:
No longer will we do bad things unto thee
No longer will we think uncarefully
No pollution, no waste,
No more disgrace
The wonderful place
That perpetuates our race
We have much to do
And without further ado
Now's when we need to take the time to discuss
The fact that our actions can no longer be nonpluss!
The damage is in motion
Species are making commotion
There is much to get done
It's your problem, my problem, the world's problem son!
So get out there
Ride your bike, plant a tree and lobby your people
Let them know that the Earth is so feeble
We need government changes from top down to us
The Lorax would tell us that this is a must!
It is hard to ignore
Our need for a natural rapport
It is difficult to embrace
That the degradation inflicted is an awful disgrace
Don't put down your head or become defeated
You're smart and resourceful and know what's needed!
To turn off the water when brushing your teeth
To jump on the bus, or on a bike to preserve the heath!
We can set up farmers markets in our hometowns,
Support local farmers from tumbling down,
Into a market system that will make you frown,
Together we can protect our planet from the North, South, all-around!
It's your job, it's my job, it's easy to see
That we are essentially the earth's trustee
As we approach midnight on the ticking clock
It's time to look around and take stock
The polar bears need saving,
The grizzly bears are craving
For a space that's clean, green, and mild
We can help preserve and protect the wishes of the wild
This is a rhyme that strengthens with time
To continue our destruction would be an unforgivable crime
Please be kind to mother earth
For it is right, for all she's worth
Here's a rhyme that strengthens with age
Please be kind to green things like basil and sage
Let it be known to all things grown
That humanity will do everything to begin to atone
Remember the precious Earth
More precious than rubies,
Blood diamonds and uncut beauties
For once she is gone,
Life has no song.
And then, silence…
Lastly the Once-ler looked the boy in the eye
“Look sharp now, I have one more lesson in mind
Listen well to this story, and pay it great heed
You must tend it, and spread it, and use it to lead”
This is a story of a sphere of land
Where once upon a time there was no supply or demand
This place was called Earth
And this Earth gave birth
To googles of life that lived their lives with great mirth
The Earth looked so blue
Because it not only had land, there were oceans too
And the Garoos and Hifters that lived in that place
With their neighboring Barows and Nebuls did deeply embrace
Their own love of the different shapes
The land and ocean and air would take
In Barroulous caverns the Barows lived with Spekows and Kains
While Garoos and Hifters lived upon wide open plains
And the Nebuls swam among coral reefs in deep blue water
Little did any of them know
That their good friends the Humans
Were beginning to discover things about their planet
Such as how to make countertops out of granite
That one day would lead to their slaughter
Every creature
Down on Earth
Liked Earth a lot...
But the Humans,
Who owned the Earth,
Did NOT!
The Humans hated Earth! They hated each season!
Now, please don't ask why, no one quite knows the reason.
It could be because they ruled above all,
It could be, perhaps, that Earth was too small.
But these Humans nonetheless were careless in fashion,
And took all they could without rhyme or ration.
So
Whatever the reason,
Their heads or their hearts,
They ran around careless using all of Earth's parts,
Taking whatever from the ground and the trees;
Even polluting the air and the seas!
For what we knew every Human on Earth
Was wasting the Earth for all it was worth.
"They're killing me slowly! This sure is not fair!
I give all they need! I wish they would care!"
And then the Earth sighed, looked down with compassion,
"I MUST find a way to teach Humans some passion!"
So Earth, said a prayer...
And SO
...All Humans, All Humans, with all of their flaws
Would wake up that morning and put life on pause!
And then! To find a cause! They'd find a cause!
That's how they'd fix Earth! With a round of applause they'd each find a cause!
Then Humans, young and old, would all volunteer.
They'd engineer! Pioneer! Make smog disappear!
Persevere! Hold Earth dear! Here Here! Here Here!
They'd start from the front, and move to the rear!
They'd do all they could to save their great Sphere!
And THEN
They patched up Earth from its wearing and tearing,
And Earth was pleased Humans finally were caring!
They stood close together, with hand in one hand,
For Earth had been saved! They saved their great land!
When they tried! And they tried!
AND they TRIED! TRIED! TRIED! TRIED!
They fixed up their Earth from the out to inside!
They came together, each one, worldwide!
All because they stopped and they stared
Listened to Earth, and finally cared,
And with just a little passion
Earth was repaired
And so my friend, take heart
The words of the Lorax still echo today,
They ring true in my ears and are here to stay
Please join us now in this call for action
We can already envision positive reactions
From the birds to the bees, to your mom and dad,
They raised caring folk that aren’t half bad
You see, things can change when there’s a strong start,
It’s people like you who care with all your heart
So perk up your ears for here is what I recommend;
Mother Nature is our buddy, and it is she whom we must defend
For without her there would be no mountains or the deep blue sea,
Now start a revolution, aujourd’hui!
Working together is necessary, it’s true
It all can’t be done if we’re missing you!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Classroom in the Wild: Nov. 11, 2008
Classroom in the Wild, Extreme HD Alaska
Tuesday, November 11, 7:00 p.m., Wechsler Theater, MGC, 3rd floor
Learn how 12 brave film students faced survival instructor Brian Horner, professor and filmmaker Larry Engel, and the Alaskan wilderness for eight days. Presentation includes photos, video, and student testimonials.
Sponsor: Center for Environmental Filmmaking
Contact: Chris Palmer, x3408
Web: www.environmentalfilm.org
Tuesday, November 11, 7:00 p.m., Wechsler Theater, MGC, 3rd floor
Learn how 12 brave film students faced survival instructor Brian Horner, professor and filmmaker Larry Engel, and the Alaskan wilderness for eight days. Presentation includes photos, video, and student testimonials.
Sponsor: Center for Environmental Filmmaking
Contact: Chris Palmer, x3408
Web: www.environmentalfilm.org
Environment and Security Conference: Nov. 20, 2008
The Asia Program, The Environmental Change and Security Program, and The Comparative Urban Studies Project Present:
Running on Empty:
Pakistan’s Water Crisis
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 8:45 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
5th floor conference room
Woodrow Wilson Center
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Please RSVP by close of business on November 18 (acceptances only) to asia@wilsoncenter.org or to (202) 691-4059
CONFERENCE AGENDA
8:45 Registration and Coffee
9:15 Introduction
Robert M. Hathaway, director, Asia Program, Woodrow Wilson Center
9:30 Opening Address
Address by Simi Sadaf Kamal, chairperson, Hisaar Foundation
Pakistan’s Water Challenges: Entitlement, Access, Efficiency, and Equity
10:30 Panel I: The Water Crisis in Pakistan’s Countryside
Feisal Khan, assistant professor, Department of Economics, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Water, Governance, and Corruption in Pakistan
Sarah J. Halvorson, associate professor of geography, University of Montana
Intersections of Water, Health, and Gender in Rural Pakistan
Adrien Couton, water portfolio manager, Acumen Fund
Tackling Pakistan’s Water Crisis: An Entrepreneurial Approach
12:30 Luncheon and Luncheon Address
Address by Kaiser Bengali, national coordinator, Benazir Income Support Programme, government of Pakistan
Water Management Under Constraints: The Need for a Paradigm Shift
2:00 Panel II: The Water Crisis in Pakistan’s Cities
James L. Wescoat, Aga Khan Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Water Scarcity, Shortages, and Conservation in Urban Pakistan
Anita Chaudhry, assistant professor of economics, California State University, Chico
Securing Sustainable Access to Safe Drinking Water in Lahore
Samia Altaf, Pakistan Scholar, Woodrow Wilson Center
Public Health Aspects of Pakistan’s Water Crisis
4:00 Adjournment
Please allow time for security procedures when you arrive at the Wilson Center. A photo ID is required for entry. The Center is located in the southeast wing of the Ronald Reagan Building. Please see www.wilsoncenter.org/directions for complete information. The closest Metro station is Federal Triangle on the blue or orange line. Parking is available in the Reagan Building basement, but because of security delays we recommend coming by cab or Metro.
Running on Empty:
Pakistan’s Water Crisis
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 8:45 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
5th floor conference room
Woodrow Wilson Center
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Please RSVP by close of business on November 18 (acceptances only) to asia@wilsoncenter.org or to (202) 691-4059
CONFERENCE AGENDA
8:45 Registration and Coffee
9:15 Introduction
Robert M. Hathaway, director, Asia Program, Woodrow Wilson Center
9:30 Opening Address
Address by Simi Sadaf Kamal, chairperson, Hisaar Foundation
Pakistan’s Water Challenges: Entitlement, Access, Efficiency, and Equity
10:30 Panel I: The Water Crisis in Pakistan’s Countryside
Feisal Khan, assistant professor, Department of Economics, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Water, Governance, and Corruption in Pakistan
Sarah J. Halvorson, associate professor of geography, University of Montana
Intersections of Water, Health, and Gender in Rural Pakistan
Adrien Couton, water portfolio manager, Acumen Fund
Tackling Pakistan’s Water Crisis: An Entrepreneurial Approach
12:30 Luncheon and Luncheon Address
Address by Kaiser Bengali, national coordinator, Benazir Income Support Programme, government of Pakistan
Water Management Under Constraints: The Need for a Paradigm Shift
2:00 Panel II: The Water Crisis in Pakistan’s Cities
James L. Wescoat, Aga Khan Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Water Scarcity, Shortages, and Conservation in Urban Pakistan
Anita Chaudhry, assistant professor of economics, California State University, Chico
Securing Sustainable Access to Safe Drinking Water in Lahore
Samia Altaf, Pakistan Scholar, Woodrow Wilson Center
Public Health Aspects of Pakistan’s Water Crisis
4:00 Adjournment
Please allow time for security procedures when you arrive at the Wilson Center. A photo ID is required for entry. The Center is located in the southeast wing of the Ronald Reagan Building. Please see www.wilsoncenter.org/directions for complete information. The closest Metro station is Federal Triangle on the blue or orange line. Parking is available in the Reagan Building basement, but because of security delays we recommend coming by cab or Metro.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Permaculture Design Course in Bahamas
Permaculture Design Course
This 72-hour permaculture design certi cation course (PDC) is dedicated to experiential education and place-based learning. We enjoy a unique site located on a rural peninsula on Eleutherae of the Bahamian Family Islands that
o ers beauty, serenity, and opportunity for exploration. Our campus serves as a demonstration of regenerative technologies such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, waste-water treatment, ecological architecture, aquaculture, alternative fuels, and community development. Through interaction with their surroundings, participants will learn how to design and develop from a whole systems perspective. Challenges of our site will foster problem solving and opportunities for
collaborative work. Coastal proximity and lack of precipitation present extra
challenges for food system development. The course includes lectures, discussion, and individual research projects, as well as hands-on workshops on plant propagation, grafting, and building with local materials. Coursework will cover inter-disciplinary topics such as site design, earth repair, systems integration, and many more.
Instructors:
Chris Shanks, Permaculture Designer and Teacher, Co-Director of Project Bona Fide, Ometepe, Nicaragua
Colleen O’Brien, Agricultural Systems Manager, CEI
Participants in the sixth annual intensive PDC at The Island School will continue to add to the development and design of The Island school and Cape Eleuthera Institute grounds. Newly acquired skills in design and holistic thinking will be employed to create regenerative spaces that promote learning, diversity, and culture.
Learn permaculture design
Learn principles of sustainable and regenerative systems
Interact with local culture and ecosystems
Complete 72-hour permaculture design certi cation
No prereguisites required
Course price: $1950(includes all meals and dormitory accommodation)
Cape Eleuthera Institute & The Island School
Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas
January 3rd - 18th, 2009
The Cape Eleuthera Institute offers a unique atmosphere to learn about resource management, aquaculture, sustainable design, and terrestrial ecology. We use a holistic approach to island ecosystems, have a philosophy of collaboration, and design sustainable systems that enhance conservation initiatives and economic prosperity at local, regional, and global scales. The inspiring, intensity of the course got me psyched about permaculture, and about regenerative human systems in
general. It ignited a passion in me and a lot of other people I've spoken with who took the course...it forces you to think in a much more holistic way about problems and see them as challenges needing creative solutions that work for both humans and the world around us.
Contact Chris Shanks, chris@projectbona de.com, with any inquiries.
To learn more about the Cape Eleuthera Institute and The IslandSchool go to our Web sites
www.ceibahamas.org
www.islandschool.org
This 72-hour permaculture design certi cation course (PDC) is dedicated to experiential education and place-based learning. We enjoy a unique site located on a rural peninsula on Eleutherae of the Bahamian Family Islands that
o ers beauty, serenity, and opportunity for exploration. Our campus serves as a demonstration of regenerative technologies such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, waste-water treatment, ecological architecture, aquaculture, alternative fuels, and community development. Through interaction with their surroundings, participants will learn how to design and develop from a whole systems perspective. Challenges of our site will foster problem solving and opportunities for
collaborative work. Coastal proximity and lack of precipitation present extra
challenges for food system development. The course includes lectures, discussion, and individual research projects, as well as hands-on workshops on plant propagation, grafting, and building with local materials. Coursework will cover inter-disciplinary topics such as site design, earth repair, systems integration, and many more.
Instructors:
Chris Shanks, Permaculture Designer and Teacher, Co-Director of Project Bona Fide, Ometepe, Nicaragua
Colleen O’Brien, Agricultural Systems Manager, CEI
Participants in the sixth annual intensive PDC at The Island School will continue to add to the development and design of The Island school and Cape Eleuthera Institute grounds. Newly acquired skills in design and holistic thinking will be employed to create regenerative spaces that promote learning, diversity, and culture.
Learn permaculture design
Learn principles of sustainable and regenerative systems
Interact with local culture and ecosystems
Complete 72-hour permaculture design certi cation
No prereguisites required
Course price: $1950(includes all meals and dormitory accommodation)
Cape Eleuthera Institute & The Island School
Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas
January 3rd - 18th, 2009
The Cape Eleuthera Institute offers a unique atmosphere to learn about resource management, aquaculture, sustainable design, and terrestrial ecology. We use a holistic approach to island ecosystems, have a philosophy of collaboration, and design sustainable systems that enhance conservation initiatives and economic prosperity at local, regional, and global scales. The inspiring, intensity of the course got me psyched about permaculture, and about regenerative human systems in
general. It ignited a passion in me and a lot of other people I've spoken with who took the course...it forces you to think in a much more holistic way about problems and see them as challenges needing creative solutions that work for both humans and the world around us.
Contact Chris Shanks, chris@projectbona de.com, with any inquiries.
To learn more about the Cape Eleuthera Institute and The IslandSchool go to our Web sites
www.ceibahamas.org
www.islandschool.org
Winter Course in Nicaragua: Principles and Ethics of Permaculture Design
Principles and Ethics of Permaculture Design
Site analysis and design, from the tropics to temperate regions
Landscape master planning and microclimate design
Reading the landscape and pattern recognition
Design for climate change
Regenerative Land Management and Stewardship
Water catchment, storage, filtration, and distribution
Biologically based treatment of greywater and blackwater
Natural building techniques and vernacular architecture
Plant propagation, grafting & organic horticulture
Medicinal plant propagation, usage and preparations
Soil rehabilitation and fertility strategies
Myco-forestry and myco-filtration
Orchard design and maintenance
Renewable energies and biofuels
Local and regenerative economics
And much, much more
JOIN US FOR A 15-DAY PERMACULTURE DESIGN INTENSIVE TO LEARN ABOUT:
Project Bona Fide is a 43-acre permaculture site which has been in development for nearly a decade, and has become an important center for education and community development. Infrastructural systems contain: natural buildings built with local materials, terraced & medicinal plant gardens, an extensive nursery, seed bank, developing fruit and nut orchards, food forests, native timber forestry, timber bamboo plantings, water-catchment, drip irrigation and ferrocement technologies, renewable energy systems, and composting toilets. Outreach efforts include social programs that provide educational opportunities based in ecological agriculture, community reforestation efforts that are supported by our seed bank and nursery, local seed and plant exchanges, a children’s nutritional kitchen and an upcoming community center. The developing site, interwoven with the support we’ve received from our local community, allows Bona Fide to be fertile ground for cultural
exchange on the island and beyond.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD ON ISLA OMETEPE, AN ISLAND OF TWIN VOLCANOES IN SOUTHERN NICARAGUA
INSTRUCTORS:
CHRIS SHANKS (USA), MIKE BLAZEWICZ (USA), ANDREA CALFUQUIR (ARGENTINA)
ASHLEY CARTER (USA), MAI KOBAYASHI (JAPAN) AND TINY MAN (COSTA RICA)
FEBRUARY 3RD - 17TH, 2009
AT THE BONA FIDE INSTITUTE FOR REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
OMETEPE ISLAND, NICARAGUA
ERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE
PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE PRICE: $1,250 USD
CONTACT MIKE BLAZEWICZ FOR MORE INFORMATION: MICHAEL@ROUNDRIVERDESIGN.COM OR VISIT: WWW.PROJECTBONAFIDE.COM
Please register early as the course can and does fill quickly • Course price does not iclude airfare • $400 USD non-refundable deposit required • Meals will include a mixture of traditional cuisine and farm foods • Academic credits are often available to undergraduate and graduate students • The course is taught in English and simultaneously translated into Spanish via FM-headsets
Site analysis and design, from the tropics to temperate regions
Landscape master planning and microclimate design
Reading the landscape and pattern recognition
Design for climate change
Regenerative Land Management and Stewardship
Water catchment, storage, filtration, and distribution
Biologically based treatment of greywater and blackwater
Natural building techniques and vernacular architecture
Plant propagation, grafting & organic horticulture
Medicinal plant propagation, usage and preparations
Soil rehabilitation and fertility strategies
Myco-forestry and myco-filtration
Orchard design and maintenance
Renewable energies and biofuels
Local and regenerative economics
And much, much more
JOIN US FOR A 15-DAY PERMACULTURE DESIGN INTENSIVE TO LEARN ABOUT:
Project Bona Fide is a 43-acre permaculture site which has been in development for nearly a decade, and has become an important center for education and community development. Infrastructural systems contain: natural buildings built with local materials, terraced & medicinal plant gardens, an extensive nursery, seed bank, developing fruit and nut orchards, food forests, native timber forestry, timber bamboo plantings, water-catchment, drip irrigation and ferrocement technologies, renewable energy systems, and composting toilets. Outreach efforts include social programs that provide educational opportunities based in ecological agriculture, community reforestation efforts that are supported by our seed bank and nursery, local seed and plant exchanges, a children’s nutritional kitchen and an upcoming community center. The developing site, interwoven with the support we’ve received from our local community, allows Bona Fide to be fertile ground for cultural
exchange on the island and beyond.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD ON ISLA OMETEPE, AN ISLAND OF TWIN VOLCANOES IN SOUTHERN NICARAGUA
INSTRUCTORS:
CHRIS SHANKS (USA), MIKE BLAZEWICZ (USA), ANDREA CALFUQUIR (ARGENTINA)
ASHLEY CARTER (USA), MAI KOBAYASHI (JAPAN) AND TINY MAN (COSTA RICA)
FEBRUARY 3RD - 17TH, 2009
AT THE BONA FIDE INSTITUTE FOR REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE
OMETEPE ISLAND, NICARAGUA
ERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE
PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE PRICE: $1,250 USD
CONTACT MIKE BLAZEWICZ FOR MORE INFORMATION: MICHAEL@ROUNDRIVERDESIGN.COM OR VISIT: WWW.PROJECTBONAFIDE.COM
Please register early as the course can and does fill quickly • Course price does not iclude airfare • $400 USD non-refundable deposit required • Meals will include a mixture of traditional cuisine and farm foods • Academic credits are often available to undergraduate and graduate students • The course is taught in English and simultaneously translated into Spanish via FM-headsets
Grants for Community Service Projects: Info Session Nov. 12, 2008
Grants available for Students doing Community Service Projects!
Interested in starting or continuing a service project but need money???
The Eagle Endowment for Public and Community Service is offering two $1000
grants to students interested in organizing a service project that furthers
Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream. Both graduate and undergraduate students
are encouraged to apply before the November 21st deadline by visiting
www.american.edu/volunteer. Winners will be announced in January as part of
the MLK week celebration.
Information sessions about the award criteria and past winners will be held
on Monday, November 10th at 5PM in MGC 200 and Wednesday, November 12th at
8pm in Hughes Formal. Food will be provided.
If you have any additional questions, please stop by the Community Service
Center, MGC 273 or email eagleendowment@american.edu.
Interested in starting or continuing a service project but need money???
The Eagle Endowment for Public and Community Service is offering two $1000
grants to students interested in organizing a service project that furthers
Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream. Both graduate and undergraduate students
are encouraged to apply before the November 21st deadline by visiting
www.american.edu/volunteer. Winners will be announced in January as part of
the MLK week celebration.
Information sessions about the award criteria and past winners will be held
on Monday, November 10th at 5PM in MGC 200 and Wednesday, November 12th at
8pm in Hughes Formal. Food will be provided.
If you have any additional questions, please stop by the Community Service
Center, MGC 273 or email eagleendowment@american.edu.
Forum on GM Farm Animals: Nov. 10, 2008
A Science Policy Forum on the Issues Surrounding the Commercialization of Genetically Engineered Farm Animals
The Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Center for American Progress invite you to a panel discussion on the risks and benefits of applying genetic engineering to animals. Join representatives from the biotechnology industry, the food industry, and consumer groups for a lively and penetrating discussion of what the next Administration, Congress, and consumers should know about this upcoming technology.
November 10, 2008
1:00pm - 2:30pm
National Press Club
529 14th St. NW 13th Floor
Washington, DC 20045
Moderator:
Rick Weiss
Senior Fellow
Center for American Progress
Panelists:
Scott J. Eilert, Ph. D. Jamie Jonker, Ph.D.
Vice President and Director Director, Regulatory Affairs
Meat Technology Department National Milk Producers
Federation
Cargill
Michael Greger, M.D. Dr. John Phillips
Director, Public Health and Animal Agriculture Emeritus Professor
The Humane Society of the United States Enviropig Developer
Guelph University
Gregory Jaffe Michael Taylor
Director, Biotechnology Department Research Professor of Health Policy
Center for Science in the Public Interest School of Public Health
The George Washington University
Attendance is free but space is limited so please RSVP to Elizabeth
Tully at 202-332-9110 Ext. 368 or at etully@cspinet.org. Please feel
free to send this invitation to other.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Center for American Progress invite you to a panel discussion on the risks and benefits of applying genetic engineering to animals. Join representatives from the biotechnology industry, the food industry, and consumer groups for a lively and penetrating discussion of what the next Administration, Congress, and consumers should know about this upcoming technology.
November 10, 2008
1:00pm - 2:30pm
National Press Club
529 14th St. NW 13th Floor
Washington, DC 20045
Moderator:
Rick Weiss
Senior Fellow
Center for American Progress
Panelists:
Scott J. Eilert, Ph. D. Jamie Jonker, Ph.D.
Vice President and Director Director, Regulatory Affairs
Meat Technology Department National Milk Producers
Federation
Cargill
Michael Greger, M.D. Dr. John Phillips
Director, Public Health and Animal Agriculture Emeritus Professor
The Humane Society of the United States Enviropig Developer
Guelph University
Gregory Jaffe Michael Taylor
Director, Biotechnology Department Research Professor of Health Policy
Center for Science in the Public Interest School of Public Health
The George Washington University
Attendance is free but space is limited so please RSVP to Elizabeth
Tully at 202-332-9110 Ext. 368 or at etully@cspinet.org. Please feel
free to send this invitation to other.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Climate Change Briefing: Nov. 13, 2008
A Presidential Climate Action Plan:Options for the New Administration and Congress
Thursday, November 13, 2008
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
B318 Rayburn House Office Building
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP) invite you to a briefing to discuss one of the most important challenges facing President-elect Obama when he takes office – addressing the interrelated problems of climate change and energy and economic security. In September, the Global Carbon Project reported that CO2 emissions – mainly from burning fossil fuels – have grown three percent from 2006 to 2007, a rate faster than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted last year in its worst-case scenario. The world's leaders are looking to the new U.S. President for an indication of the kind of leadership and actions he will take to help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, especially in preparation for the UN climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009. In addition, societal economic impacts have been an important piece of the climate debate. The PCAP report seeks to offer concrete, achievable options for both the 44th President and the 111th Congress as a new legislative agenda is set for 2009.
Speakers for this event include:
* Gary Hart (U.S. Senate, ret.), Scholar in Residence and Wirth Chair Professor at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs
* William Becker, Executive Director, Presidential Climate Action Project
* Martha Coven, Senior Legislative Associate for Government Affairs, Center for Budget Policy and Priorities
* Bill Parsons, Legislative Director, Office of Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
The Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP), a two-year initiative of the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs, has gathered leaders from the nation's science, policy, business and civic sectors to provide the 44th President with background information and educational materials on global warming, as well as a broad portfolio of tools and policy options to address this global challenge. The project does not advocate on behalf of specific climate policies, programs, spending or other actions by the President or the federal government; instead, members of PCAP have developed a bold, comprehensive and non-partisan plan for presidential leadership rooted in climate science and designed to ignite innovation at every level of the American economy.
This briefing is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
For more information, please contact Amy Sauer at asauer [at] eesi.org or (202) 662-1892.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
B318 Rayburn House Office Building
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) and the Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP) invite you to a briefing to discuss one of the most important challenges facing President-elect Obama when he takes office – addressing the interrelated problems of climate change and energy and economic security. In September, the Global Carbon Project reported that CO2 emissions – mainly from burning fossil fuels – have grown three percent from 2006 to 2007, a rate faster than the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted last year in its worst-case scenario. The world's leaders are looking to the new U.S. President for an indication of the kind of leadership and actions he will take to help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, especially in preparation for the UN climate change negotiations in Copenhagen in December 2009. In addition, societal economic impacts have been an important piece of the climate debate. The PCAP report seeks to offer concrete, achievable options for both the 44th President and the 111th Congress as a new legislative agenda is set for 2009.
Speakers for this event include:
* Gary Hart (U.S. Senate, ret.), Scholar in Residence and Wirth Chair Professor at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs
* William Becker, Executive Director, Presidential Climate Action Project
* Martha Coven, Senior Legislative Associate for Government Affairs, Center for Budget Policy and Priorities
* Bill Parsons, Legislative Director, Office of Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
The Presidential Climate Action Project (PCAP), a two-year initiative of the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs, has gathered leaders from the nation's science, policy, business and civic sectors to provide the 44th President with background information and educational materials on global warming, as well as a broad portfolio of tools and policy options to address this global challenge. The project does not advocate on behalf of specific climate policies, programs, spending or other actions by the President or the federal government; instead, members of PCAP have developed a bold, comprehensive and non-partisan plan for presidential leadership rooted in climate science and designed to ignite innovation at every level of the American economy.
This briefing is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
For more information, please contact Amy Sauer at asauer [at] eesi.org or (202) 662-1892.
Environmental Justice Discussion: Nov. 12, 2008
Global Health and the Human Environment: A Panel Discussion on Environmental Justice
Wednesday, November 12, 7:30-9:00 PM
Battelle Atrium, American University
A panel of experts and activists will discuss the health impacts of climate change, limited public resource access, urban environmental conditions, and water privatization on indigenous peoples, communities of color, women, and the world's poor. Learn about the politics of global environmental policies and practices, then find out what needs to be done to move toward global environmental justice. Panelists representing the Joint Global Change Research Institute, the Center for Health and Gender Equity, the Howard University Biology Department, and Corporate Accountability International will speak and take questions. Sponsors include: Eco-Sense, United Methodist Student Association, Women's Initiative, Student Advocates for Native Communities, Student Organization for African Studies, SIS Undergraduate Council
Wednesday, November 12, 7:30-9:00 PM
Battelle Atrium, American University
A panel of experts and activists will discuss the health impacts of climate change, limited public resource access, urban environmental conditions, and water privatization on indigenous peoples, communities of color, women, and the world's poor. Learn about the politics of global environmental policies and practices, then find out what needs to be done to move toward global environmental justice. Panelists representing the Joint Global Change Research Institute, the Center for Health and Gender Equity, the Howard University Biology Department, and Corporate Accountability International will speak and take questions. Sponsors include: Eco-Sense, United Methodist Student Association, Women's Initiative, Student Advocates for Native Communities, Student Organization for African Studies, SIS Undergraduate Council
New Spring Class in the Field: Info Session Nov. 11, 2008
New for spring ’09!
The Practice of Environmentalism: Science, Policy and Communication in the Field
An interdisciplinary course brought to you by the School of International Service, the School of Communication, and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Interdisciplinary approach.
Hands-on, project-based learning.
Field work in the Galapagos Islands and/or Alaska.
Taught by Profs. Simon Nicholson (SIS), Larry Engel (SOC), and Kiho Kim (CAS).
Information Session:
November 11
5pm
Hurst 208
Course Description:
This team-taught course will bring together students and faculty in environmental science, international politics and media production to forge an interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental action. Students will spend the spring semester learning field research methods, policy analysis and documentary communication techniques. Each student will then, as part of an interdisciplinary team, produce a major media project focusing on a particular environmental challenge. Participants in the class will also participate in a two-week, one or three credit field component in the Galapagos Islands or Alaska to explore firsthand the challenges of promoting ecological sustainability in these unique
regions. The Galapagos trip will start in mid-May; the Alaska trip in early August (additional fees will apply).
Course will be listed on the spring schedule as SIS 596-008 / COMM 596-008 / ENVS 596-001. Students must apply to join the class – come to the info session to find out how to get an application.
Questions? Contact Rebecca Bellinger at rbellinger@american.edu.
The Practice of Environmentalism: Science, Policy and Communication in the Field
An interdisciplinary course brought to you by the School of International Service, the School of Communication, and the College of Arts and Sciences.
Interdisciplinary approach.
Hands-on, project-based learning.
Field work in the Galapagos Islands and/or Alaska.
Taught by Profs. Simon Nicholson (SIS), Larry Engel (SOC), and Kiho Kim (CAS).
Information Session:
November 11
5pm
Hurst 208
Course Description:
This team-taught course will bring together students and faculty in environmental science, international politics and media production to forge an interdisciplinary approach to the study of environmental action. Students will spend the spring semester learning field research methods, policy analysis and documentary communication techniques. Each student will then, as part of an interdisciplinary team, produce a major media project focusing on a particular environmental challenge. Participants in the class will also participate in a two-week, one or three credit field component in the Galapagos Islands or Alaska to explore firsthand the challenges of promoting ecological sustainability in these unique
regions. The Galapagos trip will start in mid-May; the Alaska trip in early August (additional fees will apply).
Course will be listed on the spring schedule as SIS 596-008 / COMM 596-008 / ENVS 596-001. Students must apply to join the class – come to the info session to find out how to get an application.
Questions? Contact Rebecca Bellinger at rbellinger@american.edu.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Environmental Conference on Africa: Nov. 21-22, 2008
Environmental Conference on Africa: Environmental Education and Action for a Healthy Africa
Nov. 21-22, 2008
at Bowie State University
For more information: www.liberiaenvironmentalwatch.org
Nov. 21-22, 2008
at Bowie State University
For more information: www.liberiaenvironmentalwatch.org
Biofuel Presentation: Nov. 19-20, 2008
Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund
2008 Science for Nature Symposium
BIOFUELS: WHICH ARE MORE SUSTAINABLE?
Please join World Wildlife Fund for the 2008 Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Symposium on November 19-20, 2008 in Washington, DC. This year’s symposium will present the “state of the science” with regard to biofuels and their impacts on biodiversity, the environment, greenhouse gas emissions, and food supply and will build consensus among scientists, conservation practitioners, investors, and policy makers regarding key impacts and acceptable performance.
ATTEND IN PERSON OR VIA LIVE WEBCAST!
Date: November 19-20, 2008
Time: 8:00am-5:00pm
Location: World Wildlife Fund Headquarters
1250 24th Street NW Washington, DC 20037
The symposium will be held both at WWF Headquarters in Washington, DC, and via Webcast for those who would like to attend remotely. Registration is required, and space for both is limited, so please reserve your space according to the directions below as soon as possible.
Click here to see agenda: http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/WWFBinaryitem10473.pdf
If you would like to attend this Fuller Symposium in Washington, DC, please register online: http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/item9302.html
If you would like to attend this Fuller Symposium via Webcast, please register online:
http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=124111&s=1&k=002EC7EA1B1F7FCFBF1BBE2F7A4CD71D
2008 Science for Nature Symposium
BIOFUELS: WHICH ARE MORE SUSTAINABLE?
Please join World Wildlife Fund for the 2008 Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Symposium on November 19-20, 2008 in Washington, DC. This year’s symposium will present the “state of the science” with regard to biofuels and their impacts on biodiversity, the environment, greenhouse gas emissions, and food supply and will build consensus among scientists, conservation practitioners, investors, and policy makers regarding key impacts and acceptable performance.
ATTEND IN PERSON OR VIA LIVE WEBCAST!
Date: November 19-20, 2008
Time: 8:00am-5:00pm
Location: World Wildlife Fund Headquarters
1250 24th Street NW Washington, DC 20037
The symposium will be held both at WWF Headquarters in Washington, DC, and via Webcast for those who would like to attend remotely. Registration is required, and space for both is limited, so please reserve your space according to the directions below as soon as possible.
Click here to see agenda: http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/WWFBinaryitem10473.pdf
If you would like to attend this Fuller Symposium in Washington, DC, please register online: http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/item9302.html
If you would like to attend this Fuller Symposium via Webcast, please register online:
http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=124111&s=1&k=002EC7EA1B1F7FCFBF1BBE2F7A4CD71D
Monday, November 3, 2008
International Hunger Fellows: Deadline Dec. 1, 2008
We are currently recruiting for the 5th class of Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows.
The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program 2009-2011
The Congressional Hunger Center seeks applicants for the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program. This two-year commitment begins with a one-year field placement in countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The second year of the program places Fellows in a policy setting (often in the field organization's headquarters) to focus on public policy and its effects on hunger, food security and poverty.
The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program cultivates leadership and professional skills, provides substantial exposure to the international development and relief arenas, and provides links to a vast network of development professionals. Fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, a housing subsidy, and transportation and travel funds. At the end of their two-year program, Fellows earn an end-of-service stipend.
Application Information
Because Fellows apply to specific work plans from different organizations in different regions of the world, and since each placement requires a specific set of skills and experience, interested candidates should review the various Fellowship work plan descriptions before submitting an online application. For more information and to view Fellowship opportunities and apply online, please visit www.hungercenter.org.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should have a Graduate degree (or equivalent experience) appropriate to the relevant Fellowship placement, at least one year work or volunteer experience in a developing country, demonstrated leadership qualities and abilities, flexibility, personal maturity, and a strong commitment to alleviating hunger and poverty. Other skills and knowledge as specified in each Fellowship placement may also be required. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline
December 1, 2008
Early applications welcome
The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program 2009-2011
The Congressional Hunger Center seeks applicants for the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program. This two-year commitment begins with a one-year field placement in countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The second year of the program places Fellows in a policy setting (often in the field organization's headquarters) to focus on public policy and its effects on hunger, food security and poverty.
The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program cultivates leadership and professional skills, provides substantial exposure to the international development and relief arenas, and provides links to a vast network of development professionals. Fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, a housing subsidy, and transportation and travel funds. At the end of their two-year program, Fellows earn an end-of-service stipend.
Application Information
Because Fellows apply to specific work plans from different organizations in different regions of the world, and since each placement requires a specific set of skills and experience, interested candidates should review the various Fellowship work plan descriptions before submitting an online application. For more information and to view Fellowship opportunities and apply online, please visit www.hungercenter.org.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should have a Graduate degree (or equivalent experience) appropriate to the relevant Fellowship placement, at least one year work or volunteer experience in a developing country, demonstrated leadership qualities and abilities, flexibility, personal maturity, and a strong commitment to alleviating hunger and poverty. Other skills and knowledge as specified in each Fellowship placement may also be required. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
Application Deadline
December 1, 2008
Early applications welcome
Saturday, November 1, 2008
E.O. Wilson at UMD: November 12, 2008
Subject : "DARWIN and the FUTURE of BIOLOGY" - by E.O. Wilson
When : Wednesday, November 12, 2008 5:00 PM - 6:30
PM
Where : Bioscience Research Building : 1101
Event Type(s) : Lecture
Edward O. Wilson, Pellegrino University Research Professor, Emeritus, Harvard University will deliver Dr. Erik B. & Mrs. Joyce D.C. Young Lecture on Bioscience Day - November 12, 2008 - 5pm in the Bioscience Research Building room 1101.
E.O. Wilson is one of the most highly respected scientists in the world today. Hailed as "the new Darwin" by Thomas Wolfe, and one of "America's 25 Most Influential People" by TIME Magazine, he has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for "The Ants" and "On Human Nature."
All are welcome!
For information and registration about the free events about Bioscience Day 2008 go to www.bioscienceday.umd.edu
Website: www.bioscienceday.umd.edu
For more information, contact:
Gene Ferrick
Chemical & Life Sciences
+1 301 405 7016
gene@umd.edu
When : Wednesday, November 12, 2008 5:00 PM - 6:30
PM
Where : Bioscience Research Building : 1101
Event Type(s) : Lecture
Edward O. Wilson, Pellegrino University Research Professor, Emeritus, Harvard University will deliver Dr. Erik B. & Mrs. Joyce D.C. Young Lecture on Bioscience Day - November 12, 2008 - 5pm in the Bioscience Research Building room 1101.
E.O. Wilson is one of the most highly respected scientists in the world today. Hailed as "the new Darwin" by Thomas Wolfe, and one of "America's 25 Most Influential People" by TIME Magazine, he has twice received the Pulitzer Prize, for "The Ants" and "On Human Nature."
All are welcome!
For information and registration about the free events about Bioscience Day 2008 go to www.bioscienceday.umd.edu
Website: www.bioscienceday.umd.edu
For more information, contact:
Gene Ferrick
Chemical & Life Sciences
+1 301 405 7016
gene@umd.edu
African Agricultural Development Intern
Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa
Research-Based Advocacy for African Agricultural Development
For more information about the Partnership visit our website www.africanhunger.org
2009 Internship Opportunities
Dear Prospective Candidate:
The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa was founded in 2001 and focuses on increasing the level and effectiveness of U.S. investments in Africa's agriculture and rural development to help reduce hunger and poverty on the continent. The Partnership achieves its objectives by building consensus around strategic actions, forging public-private sector collaborations and promoting concrete policy changes needed to cut hunger and poverty in Africa, especially in the following strategic areas: capacity building for science and technology; agricultural markets and trade; infrastructure; and emergency assistance.
We are seeking part-time interns for positions in Spring, Summer and Fall in 2009.
The responsibilities will include, but not limited to, the following tasks:
* Assist with managing membership registration and database;
* Help with website development and maintenance;
* Assist with external communication regarding Partnership events, report launches, media stories, and newsletters;
* Assist in producing reports and list-serve mailing listings;
* Translate documents (if English-French bilingual);
* Take notes in meetings and write summaries, and help with meeting logistics;
* Work with the Administrative Assistant and Senior Fellow to plan and execute special Partnership events and help with necessary follow-up activities;
* Conduct limited, web-based research tasks assigned for special projects;
* Help assemble and sometimes analyze previous studies and publications
Desired Qualifications:
* Strong writing and research skills
* Good organizational skills and attention to detail
* Good interpersonal skills, team-player, flexibility
* French language skills strongly desirable
* Knowledge about Africa and international development, or strong interest in learning about these issues
* Web development skill is a plus
Stipend/Time Commitment:
A small stipend will be offered depending on qualification and performance. A minimum commitment of 10 hours/week is required.
Deadlines for Application:
* For Spring 2009, apply by COB Nov 15, 2008
* For Summer 2009, apply by COB Apr 15, 2009
* For Fall 2009, apply by COB Jul 15, 2009.
All applications and queries should be sent to our Senior Fellow, Dr. Daniel Karanja at karanjad@msu.edu or fax# (202) 488-0590.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Howard
Executive Director
Visit our Website at www.africanhunger.org
Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa
499 South Capitol Street, SW
Suite 500B
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: 202-479-4501
Fax: 202-488-0590
www.africanhunger.org
Research-Based Advocacy for African Agricultural Development
For more information about the Partnership visit our website www.africanhunger.org
2009 Internship Opportunities
Dear Prospective Candidate:
The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa was founded in 2001 and focuses on increasing the level and effectiveness of U.S. investments in Africa's agriculture and rural development to help reduce hunger and poverty on the continent. The Partnership achieves its objectives by building consensus around strategic actions, forging public-private sector collaborations and promoting concrete policy changes needed to cut hunger and poverty in Africa, especially in the following strategic areas: capacity building for science and technology; agricultural markets and trade; infrastructure; and emergency assistance.
We are seeking part-time interns for positions in Spring, Summer and Fall in 2009.
The responsibilities will include, but not limited to, the following tasks:
* Assist with managing membership registration and database;
* Help with website development and maintenance;
* Assist with external communication regarding Partnership events, report launches, media stories, and newsletters;
* Assist in producing reports and list-serve mailing listings;
* Translate documents (if English-French bilingual);
* Take notes in meetings and write summaries, and help with meeting logistics;
* Work with the Administrative Assistant and Senior Fellow to plan and execute special Partnership events and help with necessary follow-up activities;
* Conduct limited, web-based research tasks assigned for special projects;
* Help assemble and sometimes analyze previous studies and publications
Desired Qualifications:
* Strong writing and research skills
* Good organizational skills and attention to detail
* Good interpersonal skills, team-player, flexibility
* French language skills strongly desirable
* Knowledge about Africa and international development, or strong interest in learning about these issues
* Web development skill is a plus
Stipend/Time Commitment:
A small stipend will be offered depending on qualification and performance. A minimum commitment of 10 hours/week is required.
Deadlines for Application:
* For Spring 2009, apply by COB Nov 15, 2008
* For Summer 2009, apply by COB Apr 15, 2009
* For Fall 2009, apply by COB Jul 15, 2009.
All applications and queries should be sent to our Senior Fellow, Dr. Daniel Karanja at karanjad@msu.edu or fax# (202) 488-0590.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Howard
Executive Director
Visit our Website at www.africanhunger.org
Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa
499 South Capitol Street, SW
Suite 500B
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: 202-479-4501
Fax: 202-488-0590
www.africanhunger.org
Internship, Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa
2009 Internship Opportunities
Dear Prospective Candidate:
The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa was founded in 2001 and focuses on increasing the level and effectiveness of U.S. investments in Africa's agriculture and rural development to help reduce hunger and poverty on the continent. The Partnership achieves its objectives by building consensus around strategic actions, forging public-private sector collaborations and promoting concrete policy changes needed to cut hunger and poverty in Africa, especially in the following strategic areas: capacity building for science and technology; agricultural markets and trade; infrastructure; and emergency assistance.
We are seeking part-time interns for positions in Spring, Summer and Fall in 2009.
The responsibilities will include, but not limited to, the following tasks:
Assist with managing membership registration and database;
Help with website development and maintenance;
Assist with external communication regarding Partnership events, report launches, media stories, and newsletters;
Assist in producing reports and list-serve mailing listings;
Translate documents (if English-French bilingual);
Take notes in meetings and write summaries, and help with meeting logistics;
Work with the Administrative Assistant and Senior Fellow to plan and execute special Partnership events and help with necessary follow-up activities;
Conduct limited, web-based research tasks assigned for special projects;
Help assemble and sometimes analyze previous studies and publications
Desired Qualifications:
Strong writing and research skills
Good organizational skills and attention to detail
Good interpersonal skills, team-player, flexibility
French language skills strongly desirable
Knowledge about Africa and international development, or strong interest in learning about these issues
Web development skill is a plus
Stipend/Time Commitment:
A small stipend will be offered depending on qualification and performance. A minimum commitment of 10 hours/week is required.
Deadlines for Application:
For Spring 2009, apply by COB Nov 15, 2008
For Summer 2009, apply by COB Apr 15, 2009
For Fall 2009, apply by COB Jul 15, 2009.
All applications and queries should be sent to our Senior Fellow, Dr. Daniel Karanja at karanjad@msu.edu or fax# (202) 488-0590.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Howard
Executive Director
Dear Prospective Candidate:
The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa was founded in 2001 and focuses on increasing the level and effectiveness of U.S. investments in Africa's agriculture and rural development to help reduce hunger and poverty on the continent. The Partnership achieves its objectives by building consensus around strategic actions, forging public-private sector collaborations and promoting concrete policy changes needed to cut hunger and poverty in Africa, especially in the following strategic areas: capacity building for science and technology; agricultural markets and trade; infrastructure; and emergency assistance.
We are seeking part-time interns for positions in Spring, Summer and Fall in 2009.
The responsibilities will include, but not limited to, the following tasks:
Assist with managing membership registration and database;
Help with website development and maintenance;
Assist with external communication regarding Partnership events, report launches, media stories, and newsletters;
Assist in producing reports and list-serve mailing listings;
Translate documents (if English-French bilingual);
Take notes in meetings and write summaries, and help with meeting logistics;
Work with the Administrative Assistant and Senior Fellow to plan and execute special Partnership events and help with necessary follow-up activities;
Conduct limited, web-based research tasks assigned for special projects;
Help assemble and sometimes analyze previous studies and publications
Desired Qualifications:
Strong writing and research skills
Good organizational skills and attention to detail
Good interpersonal skills, team-player, flexibility
French language skills strongly desirable
Knowledge about Africa and international development, or strong interest in learning about these issues
Web development skill is a plus
Stipend/Time Commitment:
A small stipend will be offered depending on qualification and performance. A minimum commitment of 10 hours/week is required.
Deadlines for Application:
For Spring 2009, apply by COB Nov 15, 2008
For Summer 2009, apply by COB Apr 15, 2009
For Fall 2009, apply by COB Jul 15, 2009.
All applications and queries should be sent to our Senior Fellow, Dr. Daniel Karanja at karanjad@msu.edu or fax# (202) 488-0590.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Howard
Executive Director
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