Thursday, October 29, 2009

AU Climate Education Day

Main Campus Quad 10 am - 4 pm
Amphitheater 5 pm

Come see new perspectives on climate change and climate action!

Climate Exchanges

Climate Exchange

Join us on Friday, November 6 at 4:00 in the McDowell Formal Lounge to welcome distinguished guests from Sen. John Kerry's office, the American Security Project, the Center for a New American Security, Population Action International and the AU School of Communication for a discussion about the myriad implications of Climate Change and how we can create a more multidisciplinary approach to stopping it.

Coral Conservation Panel

Free Lecture and Panel Discussion on Coral Conservation

When: November 12, 6:30 p.m.
Where: National Zoo Visitor Center Auditorium

Coral, one of the world?s biological treasures, is at risk worldwide. Colonies that have flourished for thousands of years are dying because of environmental damage, destructive fishing practices such as dynamite fishing and bottom trawling, pollution, and global warming.

This important program will be hosted by acting Zoo director Steve Monfort. The distinguished panel includes experts working on all aspects of coral conservation.
  • Mary Hagedorn, from the Zoo, will discuss her latest research on creating a frozen repository of endangered coral.
  • Mike Henley, from the Zoo's Invertebrate Exhibit, will discuss his work growing endangered coral at the Zoo.
  • Eric Borneman, from the University of Houston, will outline some of the global and local threats to coral.
  • Mitch Carl, from Henry Doorly Zoo, will discuss how he has grown and distributed thousands of specimens of endangered elkhorn coral.
  • Jennifer Moore, from the National Marine Fisheries Service and head of the Endangered Species Task Force for Coral, will discuss the latest plans for coral protection and restoration.
  • Dirk Peterson, from the Rotterdam Zoo, will discuss the formation and work of the coral consortium SECORE (Sexual Coral Reproduction).
  • Christine Hicks, of Counterpart International, will discuss efforts to save coral throughout the Caribbean.
  • Ken Nedimyer, of the Coral Restoration Foundation, will discuss how he created his staghorn coral nursery in the Florida Keys.
This lecture is sponsored by NOAA, Counterpart International, and theSmithsonian Institution.

Green Business Summit

The Wharton Club of DC is co-hosting a follow-up to last year’s successful Green Business Summit called Green Business Summit II: The Business Case for Green Investments. It will be co-hosted with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP at their offices.

Thursday, November 12, 2009
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. full day conference, followed by a cocktail reception
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
1111 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

This year’s conference examines the essential, interdependent elements of launching a sustainable Green Economy. With the American economy and companies of all sizes facing significant challenges, executives and entrepreneurs proposing green investments and initiatives need to set forth an even more compelling business case to justify such investments.

Keynote speakers together with four expert panels will focus on these major components that affect the business case for Green Investments:

Panel 1: Clean Technologies, Renewables and Low-Carbon Energy
Panel 2: Financing CleanTech Enterprises
Panel 3: Government Policy
Panel 4: The Impact of Climate Change on Business

The morning keynote will be Andrew Winston, a leading consultant, author of Green Recovery: Get Lean, Get Smart, and Emerge from the Downturn on Top, and co-author of Green to Gold. A Special Introductory Speaker will be Jim Dinegar, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade.

Here are some of our panelists:

Don Dahn, East West Bank
Kevin Furnary, CEO, LEEP Holdings
Pandor Hadjy, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development
Leslie Kass, Nuclear Energy Institute
Kyle Kempf, National Small Business Association
Bob Prantil, North Region Executive, GE Energy
Julia Pulzone, Managing Director, Global Environmental Fund (GEF)
Bill Rever, Director, Strategic Marketing, BP Solar
From our co-host, Morgan Lewis, these expert Partners:
Steven M. Cohen, Emerging Business and Technology Practice
Stephen H. Kinney, Business and Finance Practice
Kenneth M. Kulak, Energy Practice
Ronald J. Tenpas, Environmental Practice

This conference will be of interest to a broad range of executives including C-level management, government contractors, scientists, engineers, investment advisors, entrepreneurs and other professionals. This will be a day of outstanding value in gaining Green knowledge, strategy, insight, lessons learned, perspectives of value, discovering business opportunities and enjoyable networking.

More information is on the web site under Events or News: http://www.whartondc.com as well as registration. Members of Strategic Partner Groups are eligible for the same rates as members of the Wharton Club of Washington, DC.

WWF Internship

The WWF has 2 internships opening up to work with the Humanitarian Partnerships Program (HPP). The HPP works on issues at the intersection of environmental and humanitarian assistance and is currently producing a publication on green reconstruction following humanitarian disasters and is also assisting the UN to write new international standards on environmental and climate change issues in the provision of humanitarian assistance programming. Please seethe following link for more information: http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/careers/internships.html

Intern at Congress

Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) is seeking full or part time interns for his Washington, DC office. This is an ideal position for students or recent graduates interested in gaining experience with the legislative process. Internships are unpaid.

Regular responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting staff with constituent correspondence, contributing to research projects, and guiding capitol tours. In addition to office duties, interns will have the opportunity to attend briefings/hearings in their areas of interest.

In order to be considered, please send a cover letter and CV to Michael.hayes@mail.house.gov.

Climate Change in Africa

Interested in climate change ?
Interested in Africa ?
Want to learn more about how climate change will impact Africa in the next forty years?


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Come join us for a panel discussion moderated by our own Dr. James Lee and with

Franklin Moore, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa
Ilana Solomon, Action Aid USA Policy Analyst

Join us at:
October 30, 2009
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Mary Graydon Center 247

Lunch will be served

Marine Conservation Biology Institute Internship

*Ocean Policy Intern (Washington DC)*

Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) began in 1996 with a new approach: to encourage scientists who want to safeguard ocean life to get involved in policy development. MCBI’s mission is twofold: advance the science of marine conservation biology and secure protection for ocean ecosystems. We work to protect marine life around the United States and beyond by encouraging research and training in marine conservation biology, bringing scientists together to examine crucial marine conservation issues, doing policy research to frame the marine conservation agenda, conducting outreach to educate scientists, the public and decision makers on key issues, and building partnerships to solve problems affecting marine life and people.

In addition to providing the opportunity to participate in many aspects of our policy work, the Marine Conservation Biology Institute’s Ocean Policy Internship offers exposure to government agencies, non-governmental groups and other organizations involved in the policy-making process.

MCBI’s Government Affairs office in Washington DC works on policy research and advocacy on a variety of marine issues, including marine spatial planning, marine protected areas such as marine sanctuaries, preserving Hawaii’s marine ecosystems, deep sea corals and seamounts conservation, and combating destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling. Past interns have found the internship useful in narrowing their focus/interest in marine issues and learning about lobbying and the legislative process, particularly how to package science information for decision makers.

Internship activities include:

· Conducting research on US marine policy**

· Setting lobbying appointments with congressional staffers**

· Accompanying MCBI staff on lobby visits and keep records of visits* *

· Staying abreast of and briefing Staff on marine conservation news and hot topics**

· Preparing educational materials and fact sheets**

· Providing administrative support (answer phones, keep VP calendar, file, purchase some office supplies, open & distribute mail, etc.)**

Opportunities for independent research in Ocean Policy should be discussed at the time of interview.

*Desired applicant qualifications*

· Commitment to the preservation of marine life and biological diversity

· Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.

· Excellent organization skills.

· At ease working with Windows-based computer applications and mild computer troubleshooting.

· Demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision.

· Substantive education, knowledge or professional experience in marine or environmental science or policy.

· College graduates or graduate students in law, environmental policy, or ocean management.

Period of Internship: January until May 2010.

*Compensation*

Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week. The internship offers compensation at the rate of $1800/month. No benefits or relocation costs are provided, except standard holidays falling during the internship term. We are willing to work with interns and their universities to obtain academic credit for internship work.

*Application*
Send all application materials by email to internships@mcbi.org by November 20th. Reference “Ocean Policy Intern” in the subject line.

1. A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience,
goals and availability;
2. A résumé;
3. A writing sample (1-2 pages);
4. A course list detailing applicable coursework experience;
5. And a list of 3 references or completed recommendation letters.


Greenroofs & Pervious Pavers Workshop

Saturday, November 7, 2009
10am – 12pm

Trinidad Recreation Center
1310 Childress Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002

Learn about the different types and designs of greenroofs and their benefits. You will also learn about using pervious pavers instead of an impervious surface like concrete and asphalt for walkways, driveways, and patios. Learn how both these practices can reduce stormwater runoff.

Speakers:
Ty Voyles, DC Greenworks on Greenroofs
Jenny Guillaume, DDOE on Pervious Pavers

Urban greening training, free for volunteers and teachers

Common Good City Farm and the RiverSmart Schools Program are
recruiting interested and committed volunteers and teachers to join
the RiverSmart Volunteer Maintenance Program.

If you're interested in improving your urban greening skills or in
hands-on gardening opportunities in your community, this is the
perfect program for you.

Sign-up to be a RiverSmart Volunteer, get matched with a RiverSmart
school and teacher, and receive a free 16-hour hands-on training in
urban greening and gardening skills.

Volunteers are asked to contribute three-four hours a month, for a year, at a RiverSmart
School, helping with establishing gardens and other schoolyard
greening projects.
The training, Urban Schoolyard Greening, will be
held November 12th 4-8pm, 14th, 9-5pm and 17th 4-8pm.
For more information on this program and to register please visit
http://commongoodcityfarm.org/riversmart

--
Rooting DC Urban Gardening Forum
www.rootingdc.org

a project of America the Beautiful Fund
202-638-1649

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Practice of Environmentalism: Galapagos Islands

Here is some information about a Spring course that I'll be co-teaching. The course is titled "The Practice of Environmentalism," and includes a two-week visit to the Galapagos Islands.

Academic Information

This 6-credit program brings together faculty and students in environmental science, international politics, and media production to forge an interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues. The experience in the Galapagos Islands is the fieldwork component of the semester-long spring course titled, The Practice of Environmentalism: Science, Policy, and Communication. Students spend the spring semester learning field research methods, policy analysis, documentary communication techniques, and other relevant skills designed to give a broad understanding of and engagement with particular environmental challenges. During the summer fieldwork course, they produce multi-faceted projects that highlight their interdisciplinary learning. The Program is jointly offered by SIS, SOC, and CAS.

For more information and to apply, please click here.

Note that all applications for the course are due November 2.

Premiere of "The Price of Sugar"

Tuesday, November 10, 8:00 p.m., Ward 2

This documentary examines labor trafficking and the human costs associated with the Dominican sugar industry. After the film, three panelists will comment and take questions on the global problem of trafficking.

Sponsor: School of Public Affairs
Contact: Sharon Melzer, melzer@american.edu
Web: http://american.edu/spa/Calendar/?id=2079918

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Jobs with Alliance for Climate Education

The Alliance for Climate Education (ACE) performs interactive assembly presentations for high school students that explain climate change and its effect on our planet drawing from the most recent climate science. ACE is developing its program nationally to educate youth on the practical ways to ‘Lower their emissions’ by reducing their own carbon footprint and to ‘Raise their voice’ by taking action in their school and community. Our program is scientifically based, interactive, and energizing — and we present it at no cost to schools. In addition, we offer grant and scholarship opportunities to schools and students that take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and that also help our mission to spread climate literacy. For more info, visit www.acespace.org or check out our assembly trailer.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Upcoming Small Farm Course, Local Food Project at Airlie

Hello from the Local Food Project at Airlie!

We are excited to announce important updates for the 2009 edition of Exploring the Small Farm Dream, which commences next Wednesday, November 4th:

Exploring the Small Farm Dream- Is Starting an Agricultural Business Right for You?
November 4th- December 2nd, 2009
6:30pm-9:00pm
Airlie Center, Warrenton, Virginia
Read full course details on our website

Confirmed speakers participating in Exploring the Small Farm Dream now include: Chip & Susan Planck, featured this past weekend in the Washington Post. Please see the full list of confirmed speakers below.

About the Course: Taking place over four Wednesday evening sessions commencing November 4th (and skipping Thanksgiving week), Exploring the Small Farm Dream will help potential new farmers and agricultural business owners evaluate their farm business dreams and clarify next steps. A combination of creative exercises, class discussions, interviews with farm business innovators, and independent research, Exploring the Small Farm Dream will connect you with a classroom of motivated individuals seeking to transform farm dreams into action.

Exploring the Small Farm Dream will be co-facilitated by Pablo Elliott of The Local Food Project at Airlie, together with Stacey Carlberg and Don Loock of the Piedmont Environmental Council. Several local farm business owners will provide valuable insight and expertise as guest speakers in three of the course sessions (speaker bios below).

This course is ideal for career changers and farm ‘newbies’ breaking into agricultural pursuits, farm apprentices interested in launching a farm business, and current farmers looking to expand into a new enterprise. Course participants will receive a freshly revised 2009 edition of the Exploring the Small Farm Dream workbook developed by the New England Small Farm Institute, filled with a range of creative exercises tailored to help small farm ‘explorers’ better assess skills, resources, & next steps. The Local Food Project at Airlie & Piedmont Environmental Council first offered the course in November of 2008, and are excited to return with a new version of the course, now in November 2009!

For more information on the Exploring the Small Farm Dream, and how to register, please visit our website. We expect the course to fill in the next few days, so don’t hesitate to register!

Looking forward,

Pablo Elliott
The Local Food Project at Airlie

***

Confirmed Guest Speakers, Exploring the Small Farm Dream, 2009:

Zach Lester and Georgia O’Neal – Tree and Leaf Farm (Purcellville, VA) – http://www.treeandleaffarm.com

Susan & Chip Planck - Wheatland Vegetable Farms (Purcellville, VA) - http://wheatlandvegetablefarms.com/

Emily Johnson & Niels Asmussen - Root Force Collective (Montpelier, VA) - http://rootforcecollectivefarm.com/

Deb Williamson - Seven Oaks Lavender Farm & Farmer Girls, LLC. (Catlett, VA) http://www.sevenoakslavenderfarm.com/
http://farmersonlinemarket.net/

Nancy & Forrest Pritchard - Smith Meadows Farm (Berryville, VA) - http://www.smithmeadows.com/

More speakers to be confirmed soon!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Intl Assoc for Human Values Internship

Filiz Odabas-Geldiay, Executive Director of the International Association for Human Values, is seeking 2 unpaid interns for the following position:
SPECIAL PROJECTS LIASON:

2 interns will work with the Executive Director on project development for women's empowerment in Iraq and her her flagship initiatives on environmental sustainability and food security. Additionally interns will be involved in planning IAHV’s October 2010 Gala event in Washington D.C. Interns will be required to fulfill a variety of backstopping positions including researching funding opportunities, writing and editing grant proposals, and attending relevent meetings/events in DC. Depending on experience, interns may be asked to liase with members of the development community/Hill/State Department.

Knowledge regarding food security, climate change, and global women’s issues/post conflict reconstruction is required.

INTERN PROFILE

Interns will be required to work remotely 10-12 hours per week in addition to attending one weekly meeting at a time that is TBD and mutually convenient to the intern team and the Executive Director. Prior to beginning the internship, the team will attend a brief orientation to familiarize everyone with each other, expectations and the international and domestic work of IAHV.

Interns must have excellent research, written and oral communication skills and have a good understanding of the development landscape in DC. Interns should be working toward or have recently completed their Graduate degrees in a field related to international development or international relations.

Interested candidates should send a CV and cover letter to Ms.Radhika Prabhu - radhika.g.prabhu@gmail.com by October 31st. I will pass them along!
More information about IAHV can be found at iahv.org

Sustainable Tourism


Sustainable Tourism: Taking Travel to New Green Places

Do you love to travel? Are you enchanted by pristine coastlines, colorful sunsets, and magnificent redwoods? Or perhaps captivated by cultural heritage and indigenous traditions? Would you like to ensure that these resources remain available to future generations? Then join The DC Green Connection and Sustainable Travel International (STI) to learn about the evolving landscape of tourism and discover ways that YOU can become part of the solution with everyday travel choices you make, whether for business or pleasure.

Our speaker panel will feature sustainable tourism development and marketing expert, Chris Seek, President of Solimar International, as well as other representatives from the local tourism sector in DC. A reception will follow the panel during which you will have a special opportunity to bid online for great deals on eco-travel offered by STI’s Green Travel Auction! Be sure to bring your holiday travel calendars!


When: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6:00-8:00pm

Where: Busboys & Poets, Langston Room (14th and V St .)

*2 blocks from U St. Cardozo Metro, Green/Yellow Line

Tickets: $15 Members, $20 Non-Members* (Cash/Check Only at Door)

*one-time additional fee includes membership status at next event

RSVP: dcgreenconnection@gmail.com or Monika Thiele (206.790.1769)

Sustainable Travel International (STI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to promoting responsible tourism, supporting sustainable development, and helping travelers and travel providers protect the environments and cultures they visit.

The DC Green Connection (DCGC) is a new green venture dedicated to growing the green economy locally and promoting sustainable living widely. Find out about simple ways to green your lifestyle, make more informed consumer choices, and connect with green businesses near you!

[Note: As always, if you wish to unsubscribe from this listserve, please simply reply to dcgreenconnection@gmail.com and I will respectfully remove your address from future mailings.]

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Climate Change Talk- Tomorrow!

“From Washington to Copenhagen: Prospects for a New Climate Agreement”

With Elliot Diringer,Vice President for International Strategies,
Pew Center on Global Climate Change

Thursday, October 22nd from 5:30-7pm
Butler Boardroom (Butler Pavilion, 6th floor)

Light refreshments will be served

Mr. Diringer will speak about the necessary steps and possibilities for success in reaching a global climate agreement in Copenhagen. He will address the intersection of U.S. domestic and international climate policy, specifically the proposed climate legislation and its implications for the upcoming global climate negotiations.

For more information, please contact Professor Sikina Jinnah at Jinnah@american.edu

State Dept vacancies

The Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) is pleased to announce vacancies in the Civilian Response Operations, Planning division within the U.S. Department of State and one vacancy within the Department of Commerce. Please click here for more information Department of Commerce vacancies. Please click here for more information regarding the U.S. Department of State vacancy.

Direct link to the S/CRS and CRC-A main Vacancies page: http://www.crs.state.gov/shortcut.cfm/4TWM

Higher Education and Current Challenges

Provost Roundtable
"Answers from the Campus – Positioning higher education to meet the grand challenges -- discovery and innovation in health care, energy, sustainability. "

Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center-Pavilion
October 29, 2009, 6:30 pm

Join DC/Baltimore alumni for an evening with Dr. Robert Palazzo, Provost, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Dr. William Baeslack `78G, Provost, Case Western Reserve, and Dr. Nariman Farvardin '79, `83G, Provost, University of Maryland for "Answers from the Campus – Positioning higher education to meet the grand challenges -- discovery and innovation in health care, energy, sustainability. " As Washington debates key issues in health care, energy, and climate changes, universities are engaged in research and discovery to drive innovation toward solutions. Hear from three Provosts about how universities are positioned to meet these grand challenges.

This event will be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC. The evening begins in the Pavilion at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception. Please join us for this exceptional evening. The cost to attend is $15 and pre-registration is required. Click "Register Online" below to sign up.

If you have event questions, please contact Susan Haight at haighs@rpi.edu or call (518) 276-6042.

Registration Deadline:Monday, October 26, 2009 9:00 a.m. (CST)

https://arpinet. rpi.edu/default. aspx?Page= EVNTEventDetail& EventID=1745

Wildlife Alliance Post

Position Title and General Information: Wildlife Alliance is looking for a part-time Communications and Development Assistant to join its Washington, DC office.

Location: Washington, DC – 17th and L Streets NW

Salary & Benefits: $10-$15 on an hourly basis (DOE and skills). This is not a staff position and does not include health, paid vacation, or other benefits. There may be a possible transfer to a staff position at a later date.

Schedule: 2 to 3 days a week, 9 am-5pm

Job Description and Duties: Working closely with the Director of Communications, the Major Gifts and Corporate Relations Coordinator, and other members of the Wildlife Alliance staff, you will be responsible for a number of diverse and challenging tasks, including the following:

  • Process incoming mail and answer phones
  • Coordinate with colleagues to perform office-wide administrative work
  • Enter postal and Network for Good donors/donations into the Common Ground database and send Thank You letters and Sponsor kits where applicable
  • Assist with preparation for fundraising and non-fundraising events
  • Collect pictures and write stories from the field to be included in the Wildlife Alliance newsletter
  • Help design/create organizational promotional materials on an as-needed basis, including brochures, in-kind advertising pages, holiday cards, posters, annual reports, etc.
  • Manage Sponsor-an-Animal and Adopt-a-Tiger donor kits
  • Assist with fundraising with foundation and government and corporate donors on an as-available basis
  • Assist in writing, designing and managing website content and other e-communications content on a regular basis

Requirements: Pursuing or completed Bachelor's Degree, excellent verbal and written communications skills. Strong Microsoft Office skills necessary (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).Excellent word processing skills. Familiarity with database entry and basic database administration, preferably development (fundraising) databases. Some graphic design experience. Ability to learn quickly and work well within a team as well as independently. Interest in wildlife conservation a strong plus.

Preferred Computer Skills: Preference and higher salary an option for applicants with specific skills in: Convio, Salesforce/Common Ground, (or any donor management software), Adobe Design Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), Social networking sites (i.e. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc), Knowledge of basic HTML and WYSIWYG web editors a plus.


How to Apply:
Please provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and schedule of availability & references to:

careers@wildlifealliance.org


Or address your package to:

Wildlife Alliance
1150 17th Street NW, Suite 403
Washington, DC 20036

Contact Email: careers@wildlifealliance.org

Web Site: http://wildlifealliance.org/

The Other Green Revolution: How Farmers Reclaimed the Desert to Secure an Agriculture Future for Africa

Hear directly from Sahelian innovators on development solutions driven by local ownership.

Please join us to hear how governments, donors, NGOs, and farmers worked together to increase food security and mitigate the effects of climatic variability. At independence, Sahelian countries inherited a highly-centralized approach to rural development with little attention to local rights over land resources. The 1970’s drought showed this approach’s inadequacy in enabling farmers to produce sufficient food, fuel and fiber. Famine was widely spread, herds were dying, and land was eroding. But by the year 2000, millions of hectares of Sahelian farmland had more trees than in 1975, smallholder productivity was greater, and fuelwood surpluses were reported. In the drier regions of Niger and Burkina Faso, people were reclaiming abandoned fields and getting new and additional grain harvests by investing in simple water-harvesting technologies. What happened and is it sufficient to meet food security and climate change challenges in the future? Join a distinguished group of panelists to discuss how this turnaround was made and how the lessons can inform development decisions being made today.

October 29th, 2009 9:00-2:30 p.m.
Ronald Reagan International Trade Center
Horizon Ballroom
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004


9:00: Panel One: Voices from the Sahel
· Mr. Yacouba Sawadogo, Lead farmer and natural resources innovator, Yatenga Province, Burkina Faso
· Dr. Chris Reij, Natural Resources Management Specialist, Center for International Cooperation, Holland
· Mr. Mathieu Ouedraogo, Director, Sahel Re-Greening Initiative

10:30: Panel Two: Practitioners’ Insights into the Global Food Security Initiative
· Mr. Jeff Hill, Leader, Agriculture and Food Security Team, USAID/AFR (Invited)
· Mr. Jim French, Kansas farmer, Lead Field Organizer, Oxfam America
· Dr. Issa Martin Bikienga, Deputy Executive Secretary, Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel; former Minister of Agriculture, Burkina Faso

Lunch (Served at the event)

1:00: Panel 3: Getting Development Partnerships Right
Chair: Michael Yates, Director, Bureau of Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, USAID (invited)
Discussants:
· Ms. Emmy B. Simmons, Co-Chair, Roundtable for Science and Technology, National Academies of Science, Board, Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa, International Livestock Research Institute, and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture
· Mr. George F. Taylor II, Director of International Programs, Philanthropy Support Services (PSS) Inc.; Senior Advisor, International Resources Group
Panelists:
· Mr. Gray Tappan, Geographer, Remote Sensing Expert, US Geological Survey
· Dr. Mahamane Larwanou, Senior Programme Officer, African Forest Forum (AFF)
· Dr. Edwige Botoni, Senior Coordinator, "Sahel Study," Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel
· Dr. John Lewis, Managing Director, Terra Global Capital, LLC

Space is limited so please RSVP at: RSVP@oxfamamerica.org

2 positions open at Humane Society International

Animal Agriculture and Climate Change Specialist

Humane Society International (HSI), the international division of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is seeking an Animal Agriculture and Climate Change Specialist for the Farm Animals section. The main responsibilities of this position will be to lead the efforts of HSI and HSUS to address and mitigate the animal agriculture sector’s contributions to climate change. Duties include, but are not limited to: serving as head researcher, policy advisor, and strategic planning director; engaging in advocacy and outreach to policymakers, legislative staff, corporations, think tanks, NGOs and others in steering this critical initiative; seeking opportunities for publication in scientific journals and other scholarly media; and representing the organization on committees and at conferences, in addition to securing speaking engagements. One to three years of experience in climate change and animal agriculture required; and a Master’s Degree in a related field is strongly preferred. Expert research, organizational and writing skills; a commitment to and extensive knowledge of farm animal welfare, climate change and environmental and community sustainability issues; highly effective communication and collaboration both within and external to animal advocacy sectors; excellent oral presentation skills; and willingness to travel are preferred. Please send cover letter and resume to hrjobs@hsus.org or fax to (301) 548-7701. This position is located in Washington, DC.


Director, Farm Animals

Humane Society International (HSI), the international division of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is seeking a Director for its Farm Animals section. The main responsibilities of this position will be to develop and direct the work of HSI's Farm Animals section. Other duties include, but are not limited to: serving as an expert on factory farming and farm animal welfare in advocating for policy reforms to improve the treatment of animals used for meat, egg, and milk production, globally; overseeing the work of section’s staff members and consultants; serving as primary liaison between the section and other departments within HSI and HSUS; collaborating with NGOs, corporations, government officials, and others, globally, in developing and implementing anti-factory farming/pro-farm animal welfare efforts; and representing the organization on committees and at conferences, in addition to securing speaking engagements. A minimum seven years experience in animal advocacy or policy development with a strong background in farm animal issues and managerial experience are required; and a Master’s Degree in a related field is strongly preferred. Experience advocating internationally for policy reforms to improve farm animal welfare; extensive knowledge of farm animal welfare issues, as well as understanding of factory farming’s impacts on myriad sectors, including environment, farmers, communities, development, and consumers; and the ability to comprehend scientific literature regarding farm animal welfare, including health, are desirable. Excellent communication, research, writing and oral presentation skills; ability to collaborate both within and external to animal advocacy sectors; strong organizational and time management skills and a commitment to animal protection are preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and the Worldwide Web necessary. Extensive travel may be required. Please send cover letter and resume to hrjobs@hsus.org or fax to (301) 548-7701. This position is located in Washington, DC.

The Road to Copenhagen: Perspectives on Brazil, China and India

The Brazil Institute, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars,
Environmental Defense Fund and Ronald Reagan International Trade Center
invite you to a panel discussion on

The Road to Copenhagen: Perspectives on Brazil, China and India

featuring

Marina Silva, Senator for the Brazilian Amazon state of Acre
Kenneth G. Lieberthal, Director, John L. Thornton China Center, Brookings Institute
Raymond E. Vickery Jr., Senior Vice-President, Albright Stonebridge Group

with moderators
Paulo Sotero, Director, Brazil Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center
Stephan Schwartzman, Director for Tropical Forest Policy, Environmental Defense Fund.

Monday, October 26, 2009
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m
.
2nd floor Pavilion Room
Ronald Reagan International Convention Center

RSVP to amanda.earley@wilsoncenter.org

Simultaneous translation will be provided

The Walton Family Foundation: Environment Program Associate

Job Description

The Walton Family Foundation, based in Bentonville, Arkansas is seeking a skilled individual to join the Environment Program as a Program Associate. The new Associate will be located in the Foundation’s Washington D.C. office.

About the Walton Family Foundation

Headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, the Walton Family Foundation was founded by Sam M. Walton, founder of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., and his wife Helen R. Walton. Their purpose in establishing the Foundation was to focus the Family’s philanthropic efforts to assure that their charitable giving would have the most positive impact. The Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations for systemic K-12 education reform, community development in the Northwest Region of Arkansas and the Mississippi River Delta Region of Arkansas and Mississippi, for marine and freshwater conservation and other areas of special interest. A family-based Board of Trustees provides overall direction for the program areas. A staff/consultant base of approximately thirty conducts the day-to-day operations. More information about the current areas of focus for the Foundation can be found at www.wffhome.com <http://www.wffhome.com>.

Walton Family Belief: “Evaluation, accountability, and measurement will be a high priority. The Foundation will attempt to work with organizations which set clear goals, include measurable objectives and benchmarks, and have strategies based on sound logic connected to their goals.

Responsibilities:

The Program Associate will work with other foundation staff, under the supervision of the Environment Program Director, to assist with the management of grants made by the program and with the evaluation of grantee performance and progress under our grants.


Specific duties will include the following:

* Working with the Environment Program Director and foundation staff
to produce information useful to the continued development and
ongoing execution of the Environment Program Strategic Plan;
* Working with foundation staff to solicit proposals consistent with
the Environment Program’s Strategic Plan and to review proposals
received;
* Working with foundation staff to prepare and process internal
grant-related documents, including grant write-ups, grant letters,
and grant and budget tracking sheets;
* Working with foundation staff, grantees and others to evaluate
progress under Environment Program grants through the review of
grant reports, related research, data collection and analyses, and
field visits.
* Working with foundation staff on the continued development of
systems for grant evaluation
* Assisting individual Board members with charitable programs of
special interest related to the environment.
* Representing the Foundation at professional meetings and before
the broader conservation community

Qualifications and Experience

The position calls for an understanding of issues related to the conservation of marine and freshwater systems, and familiarity with the use of market-based tools for conservation. The role requires self-direction and decisiveness combined with flexibility and a capacity to give and receive feedback graciously. The Foundation seeks to recruit an individual with superior interpersonal skills, a respectful attitude for the work of grantees, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team. The Program Officer should ideally possess the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

* At least 3 years experience in natural resource management, policy or advocacy, ideally with experience in grant or project management and evaluation.
* Graduate degree in a related field.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* Proven skills at organization and time management
* Demonstrated capacity to work in a team as well as independently.
* Intellectual agility and the ability to analyze, think critically,
and understand emerging issues that are directly relevant to
programmatic funding areas.
* Unquestionable ethics and personal integrity.



Compensation and Benefits

The Foundation offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and a resume to:


Cheryl McFarland
919 18th Street NW
Suite 650
Washington, D.C. 20006

Or by e-mail to: cmcfarland@wffmail.com

MS and PhD student positions: coupled natural and human systems

Masters:
The School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine is seeking a to enroll a student as early as May or June 2010 in the dual masters degree in marine science and policy. The student will study and work on a strongly interdisciplinary research project funded by the Coupled Natural and Human Systems program within NSF. A competitive stipend, tuition, health and student fees will be provided for three years. The project combines the work of social, biological and computer scientists and will develop agent-based learning models meant to simulate the fine scale dynamics of social and natural systems in three fisheries in the Gulf of Maine.
We seek a student with training in the social sciences and some knowledge of marine biology or ecology. The student must be research oriented and enthusiastic about working and learning in a multidisciplinary team. The student will participate in a set of research tasks that will include in-depth interviews and focus groups with fishermen and the translation of conceptual models into computational models. Training in computer science will be considered a plus.
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Ph.D.:
The School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine is seeking to enroll a Ph.D. student as early as May or June 2010 with a strong masters level or applied background in computer science, ecology or the social sciences and an interest in applying those skills to an integrated social-ecological study of the Gulf of Maine fisheries. Stipend, tuition, health and other fees will be funded for three years by a grant from the NSF Coupled Natural and Human Systems program. The student will be engaged in the design and implementation of a multi-agent learning classifier system and will work closely with economists, ecologists, anthropologists and computer scientists. The ideal candidate?s skill set would include knowledge and experience in
the design and implementation of programs using object based programming languages, JAVA or C++, knowledge of evolutionary computational approaches and of statistics (using R), as well as experience designing and implementing Agent Based computational models using ABM platforms such as Repast.

Contact James Wilson, jwilson@maine.edu.

Climate Change Talk on Thursday




“From Washington to Copenhagen: Prospects for a New Climate Agreement”

With Elliot Diringer,Vice President for International Strategies,
Pew Center on Global Climate Change

Thursday, October 22nd from 5:30-7pm
Butler Boardroom (Butler Pavilion, 6th floor)

Light refreshments will be served

Mr. Diringer will speak about the necessary steps and possibilities for success in reaching a global climate agreement in Copenhagen. He will address the intersection of U.S. domestic and international climate policy, specifically the proposed climate legislation and its implications for the upcoming global climate negotiations.

For more information, please contact Professor Sikina Jinnah at Jinnah@american.edu

Green Corps Information Session.

Green Corps is looking for college graduates who are ready to take on the biggest environmental challenges of our day. Recruiters will be on campus to meet with qualified AU students on October 22 for an information session from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in McKinley 155 conference room.

One-on-one office hours will take place the following day, October 23, in the Career Center.

If you desire the skills to run a campaign to stop global warming, defend old growth forests from corporate logging companies, or start your own environmental group, you owe it to yourself to learn more about the great opportunities with Green Corps.

To RSVP, go to http://american.edu/careercenter/calendar/?id=2075651. Contact ufer@american.edu with questions.

Green on the Screen: Sustainable Environments

Green on the Screen: Sustainable Environments

Thursday, October 22, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., AU Library, Media Services Classroom

Diversity, interdependence, and the ability to adapt are keys to sustainable systems in the natural world. This understanding is applied to design of the built environment. Case studies cover agriculture, transportation, buildings, lifestyles and work.

Sponsor: AU Library Green Team, Center for Environmental Filmmaking
Contact: Chris Lewis, clewis@american.edu

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Youth and Sustainability Internship

SustainUS has an immediate opening for a Climate Program Fellow to help SustainUS prepare for the Copenhagen negotiations through our Climate Countdown campaign.

SustainUS, The U.S. Youth Network for Sustainable Development, involves youth in international negotiations surrounding sustainable development. This December, we will be sending our 5th delegation to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark. The most important climate negotiations to date, world leaders will be finalizing a post-Kyoto global climate treaty, and SustainUS is working to ensure the voice of youth is heard! SustainUS is seeking applicants with an interest in and passion for climate policy, and who have activism or organizing skills.

Major Responsibilities:
-Assist the SustainUS Climate Program Coordinator and other SustainUS leadership with the Climate Countdown campaign, including managing and helping develop campaign actions.
-Collaborate with other domestic and international youth climate organizations on grassroots action and political strategy.
-Provide general logistical and administrative support. This is a substantive position and clerical work will be minimal, if any.

Qualifications:
-Education or experience in climate change advocacy and/or policy
-Campaign/organizing skills, especially work with youth activists and/or national campaigns
-Website development and/or database management experience a plus

This position is a minimum 10 hours per week and is currently unpaid. Fellows who can commit to greater hours are preferred. Please indicate additional availability in your cover letter. This position is based in the Energy Action Coalition office in Washington, DC. Fellows will ideally work through the Copenhagen negotiations, which end on December 18.

Application instructions:
Please send a resume and cover letter to rachel.butler@sustainus.org. Hiring is rolling until filled.

Hydrology and Biodiversity

World Wildlife Fund presents:

Extreme Hydrological Conditions and Complex Channel Topology Drives Population Divergence and Speciation in the Lower Congo River

Date: November 12th, 2009

Time: 4:30-5:30pm (lecture); 5:30-6:30pm (reception)

Admission: FREE!!

Registration: http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/item1816.html

Location: World Wildlife Fund Headquarters

1250 24th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20037

Unlike most of the rest of the Congo River, the lower Congo downstream of Pool Malebo to the port town of Matadi is highly channel-constrained with a peculiarly complex hydrology that appears to have isolated it from the remainder of the basin. Channel topology itself is highly heterogeneous, punctuated by underwater canyons of extreme depth. Water velocities are also extreme, even in areas without surface rapids, and recent measurements taken with pirogue-deployed Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) have revealed complex flow patterns within the water column including shifting counter directional flows and descending and ascending “walls” of fast moving water. Analysis of remotely sensed data provides an additional view of the numerous macrohabitats and channel features that characterize this hydrologically complex stretch of river. Using the latest remote sensing technologies, and with much on-the-ground sampling and systematic analysis, we are beginning to get a much clearer picture of just how the geomorphological template of the river has played a major role in isolating populations and generating high levels of divergence among diverse clades of fishes.

To date we have documented well over 300 fish species and of these upward of 80 appear to be endemic to the lower Congo region. With such unexpectedly high levels of species richness and endemism associated with a unique hydrological regime, this short stretch represents a model system for exploring the interplay of complex hydraulic conditions, channel features of extreme depth, and diversity generation cast within a broad systematic framework.

Climate and Copenhagen

Climate Workshop

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7 a.m. - 1pm30 p.m.

Ronald Reagan Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

EVENT: Ambitious energy legislation is moving in Congress with a historic U.N. climate conference capping the discussion in December. Join us as CQ-Roll Call Group explores one of the most contentious issues of the day.

Morning Keynote Speaker: Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Chairman, Environment and Public Works Committee, Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife

Luncheon Keynote Speaker: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman, Environment and Public Works Committee, Subcommittee on Green Jobs & the New Economy

Super Session: From Kyoto to Copenhagen
Moderator: John Dineen, Congressional Quarterly

  • Maggie L. Fox, Alliance for Climate Protection
  • Michael A. Levi, Council on Foreign Relations
  • David Sandalow, Department of Energy
  • Dr. Robert Simon, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Breakout 1: Carbon Market
Moderator: Coral Davenport, Congressional Quarterly

  • Michael Greenberger, University of Maryland
  • David Hunter, International Emissions Trading Association
  • Dr. Adele Morris, Brookings Institution
  • Julie Winkler, CME Group

Breakout 2: The Farm Factor and the Role for Coal
Moderator: Rebecca Adams, Congressional Quarterly

  • Paul Bailey, American Coalition for Clean Coal Energy
  • Glenn English, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
  • Rick Krause, American Farm Bureau
  • Dan Lashof, Natural Resources Defense Council

Breakout 3: Technology’s Role
Moderator: Elizabeth Wasserman, Congressional Quarterly

  • Judi Greenwald, Pew Center on Global Climate Change
  • Keith McCoy, National Association of Manufacturers
  • Jeff Ross, GridPoint

Breakout 4: Transportation
Moderator: Adriel Bettelheim, Congressional Quarterly

  • Art Guzzetti, American Public Transportation Association
  • Lou Hayden, American Petroleum Institute
  • Deron Lovaas, Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Daniel J. Weiss, Center for American Progress

Please click here to view the full agenda. This event is “on the record” and open to the public and press.

To RSVP, please visit: cqrcclimatechange. eventbrite. com. This event is free to attendees, but space is limited. For more information, please call 202-824-6811 or mariekilroy@ cq-rollcall. com

To RSVP, please visit: cqrcclimatechange. eventbrite. com