Training with Al Gore's Climate Reality Project

Thirty-five years ago, I started telling the story of the climate crisis because the scientific experts were growing alarmed and because I believed each person could make a difference. Now, more than ever, I know this is true. Today, I’m inviting you to join me to become a Climate Leader.

Climate Leaders are an incredible group of people. They come from all around the world with one common goal: to solve the climate crisis. The task is not an easy one, but it is worthy of the best in us.

If you want to join the growing number of Climate Leaders, please consider attending one of the two training sessions this summer — one in Istanbul in June or the other in Chicago in July.

At the training, you’ll work with me personally and with some of the best scientists, strategists, communicators, and organizers in the world in order to learn about climate science and develop skills you’ll use for the rest of your life.

You’ll learn what it means to be an effective communicator, work closely with other grassroots leaders in your region and around the world — and emerge ready to tackle humanity’s greatest challenge.

To find out more about this unique opportunity and apply today, click here.

Sincerely,

Al Gore
Chairman, The Climate Reality Project

AU Sustainability Fund Presentations

Discussion Question 7

Okay -- honest reflection time.

What are you taking away from this course? Looking ahead, how do you see yourself contributing to efforts to respond to the deteriorating environmental condition? What particular insights will you carry from our readings, speakers, discussions, etc into your life and your work?

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on these questions as our course draws to a close.

Apply to be part of SustainUS Agents of Change!

The SustainUS Agents of Change (AoC) program is now accepting applications to join our youth delegation to the 19th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 

The conference will take place November 11-22, 2013 in Warsaw, Poland. 

Selected delegates will have the opportunity to work with government officials, scientists, civil society representatives, and youth from around the world. In the past, AoC climate delegates have presented case studies and policy statements on behalf of youth; participated in forums with fellow representatives of civil society; and met with government delegates, international organizations, and the US State Department. Delegates will work as a team in advance of the conference to influence key State Department officials and connect with the larger youth climate movement, both in the United State and around the world.

The COP19 delegation is especially important because of the UNFCCC’s goal of negotiating a new global climate deal by 2015. This leaves less than three years to find a pathway to accomplish an ambitious global agreement. While COP 19 delegates will not see the end results of a global agreement, they will be essential in shaping SustainUS’s longer term strategy for the next several years.

Find out more and apply before May 12th at sustainus.org/apply-cop19. Please direct questions to AoC coordinators Alyssa Tsuchiya and Yi Wang at agents[at]sustainus.org.


SustainUS Membership Communications Coordinator

communicationscoord@sustainus.org | www.sustainus.org | @SustainUSAgents

ABOUT SUSTAINUS

SustainUS is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of young people ages 13-26 advancing sustainable development and youth empowerment in the United States. Through proactive education and advocacy at the policymaking and grassroots levels, SustainUS members are building a future in which all people recognize the inherent equality and interdependence of social, economic, and environmental sustainability. We strive to reflect our values through the diversity of members and projects, our ongoing commitment to educating ourselves and others, and the way we live our lives. Learn more at sustainus.org.

Santa Clara University Sustainable Urban Agricultural Systems Summer Class

Santa Clara University is offering a new summer class on sustainable urban agricultural systems from June 20 – July 25, 2013. This class will help students learn practical skills of producing food in the city while tackling broader policy issues related to urban food justice.  The course includes:

• Weekly field trips to Bay Area Farms
• Dynamic guest speakers
• Internship opportunities
• Hands-on workshops in Santa Clara University's garden

This class is for people interested in growing their own food, garden-based education, food justice and healthy cities.

If you are interested or have questions, please feel free to contact Joanna Ahlum (jahlum@scu.edu).  Enrollment information available at:http://www.scu.edu/summer/

Discussion Question 6

Two options for your blog posts this week:

1. What did you make of the panel discussion at Wednesday's class? What insights / questions were you left with?

OR

2. Please comment on this new piece by Bill McKibben. Do you share his sense that the "fossil fuel resistance" is gaining strength? Where do you see yourself in relation to that movement?

Become a Climate Leader

Join Climate Reality Leadership Corps!

This year, the Climate Reality Project will conduct trainings around the world for the next generation of Climate Leaders, who will in turn become part of the Climate Reality Leadership Corps. Already, more than 4,000 Climate Leaders from 58 countries are educating people about the climate crisis and how we can solve it.

Click here to learn more about the Climate Reality Leadership Corps and apply to become a Climate Leader and join this global community today.

Tranings are in Istanbul in June or in Chicago in July.

More than ever before, the climate crisis is creating a new reality for millions around the world. From Australian farmers losing their crops to bushfires, to New Yorkers rebuilding neighborhoods devastated by Superstorm Sandy, to crippling droughts throughout Central and Eastern Asia, Mexico and the Southwestern U.S. that are compromising the regions’ food security—the consequences of the climate crisis are growing more intense. Even as the severity of the climate crisis grows, many people don’t yet understand how it touches them personally or what they can do about it.

We need more Climate Leaders across the world to lead a carbon conversation about solutions and spread the truth about the climate crisis. Join us to become one of these leaders today.

In a three-day training, Climate Leaders learn the latest climate science and best practices for connecting the dots between the facts about climate change and the daily lives of their audiences, in simple and accessible terms. They emerge as energized and skilled communicators with the knowledge, tools, and passion to educate and empower diverse audiences and communities to help solve the climate crisis.

Together, we have an enormous opportunity to communicate the reality of climate change. With your help as a Climate Leader, we can do this person by person, family by family, and city by city.

Earth Month Calendar

Please click here to see the calendar for a host of great events at AU this month.

Events include a keynote address on April 22 (Earth Day) by Bill McDonough, the lead architect on the new SIS building.

Event: Foodopoly

State of the World 2013 Event

Upcoming Events

Discussion Question 5

In anticipation of the coming class on biodiversity protection, here's your discussion question for this week:

What's the most thrilling/magical/enchanting engagement you've had with the non-human world?

And part II, is "saving nature" something we should concern ourselves with? Why, or why not?

Conservation International Summer Internship, Costa Rica

Conservation International Board Member Byron Trott has generously provided Conservation International with funding to support immersive field based summer internships for US based students. These internships are specifically intended for students interested in gaining career skills in the non-profit or conservation sector, and will offer participants exposure to management and leadership skills, in addition to an understanding of CI’s work. 

For the summer of 2013, Conservation International is offering a summer internship for two students in Costa Rica focused on sea turtle management.  These internships will apply knowledge in areas of natural sciences in terms of improving and supporting research activities in marine resource conservation in Costa Rica, fulfilling personal and professional academic requirements related to biodiversity conservation. The internships will include a three days orientation at Conservation International Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Conservation International will cover all travel expenses including, travel to Costa Rica, accommodations and food.  Interns must supply their own health insurance and sign a volunteer waiver. 

Interns will be paired together and will go to one of the following locations. 1) Barra de Pacuare Protected Area (a public-private reserve in the Caribbean coast). The work for volunteers is on conservation, research and education on marine turtles. This site is famous because is one of the few protected areas where you can find the leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles.  2) Playa Buena Vista Protected Area.  Work this for marine turtles 3) Matapalo Refuge- Environmental education with local communities on marine conservation 4) Montezuma Refuge. Turtle conservation and marine.  Environmental education and collaboration with local conservation initiatives with local communities.

Internship Duties

• Attend the placement activities, harvesting, replanting, removal, monitoring and surveillance of nests according to preset protocols for sea turtle monitoring
• Attend and participate in data collection on the beaches related to the tasks of monitoring species
• Assist other volunteers in the roles assigned within the project
• Introduce volunteers to the methodology and data collection practices along with the basic biology of sea turtles
• Assist in the release of baby turtles according to protocol
• Perform exhumations in the company of volunteer support
• Record and review the information to be recorded in established formats
• Engage in community outreach and environmental education

In addition, the intern will have to be responsible for the use and maintenance of tools, equipment, and facilities of the project and other activities necessary for the normal performance of the project and consider comments, recommendations and schedules of the volunteer coordinators in the project.

Basic requirements

• Must have valid passport and ability to commit to internship from July 9 to August 17. 
• Must be pursuing a college degree with emphasis on a non conservation degree
• Must be familiar with natural science, conservation or biodiversity concepts
• Must have intermediate command of the Spanish language
• Must be able to work in field conditions including physical labor and adverse weather conditions
• Must have proof of medical insurance and sign volunteer waiver 
• Prior experience working in the field is preferable but not required

To Apply:

Curriculum Vitae and recommendation/reference letter from the respective applicant

Click here to view the website and apply.

CARE Women and Agriculture Internship Opening, GA

CARE is seeking an intern to support the Pathways team.  Pathways is a women’s empowerment-in-agriculture program being implemented in six countries by CARE. The Pathways intern will support the Pathways program and organizational learning within CARE through staff capacity building, knowledge sharing, and communications activities. The internship provides an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in bringing communications and branding thinking into development programming and working on cutting-edge efforts to reduce poverty and enhance women’s empowerment and food security. Primary responsibilities for the Pathways intern include working directly with CARE technical advisors on implementing the Pathways monitoring, learning, and evaluation (MLE) plan and Pathways communication plan, with activities including supporting capacity building of country office staff, creating content for a range of online channels including the Pathways website, blog, etc. Pathways interns also get opportunities to engage with Pathways Core team staff as well as other CARE-USA staff through their work with Pathways, exposing them to the latest ideas in effective market engagement, food security, and women’s empowerment programming.

Responsibilities

• Working with CARE Pathways country office teams to capture lessons learned and develop internal learning products
• Maintaining the Pathways website and update regularly with new content
• Organizing capacity building opportunities for Pathways staff on communications topics
• Supporting planning for in-person events
• Attending virtual events and generating summaries for broad internal distribution
• Other tasks as assigned
• Regular website updates
• Bi-monthly blog posts to Pathways blog

Required

• Excelent Word, Excel, and SharePoint skills
• Average Access database skills

Desired

• Completed or pursuing an MA in international development, international business, marketing, public health, communications, or other related area
• Effective communicator, including with colleagues globally for whom English may be a 2nd or 3rd language
• Excellent writing and editing skills and attention to detail - ideally including both formal research and communications materials
• Knowledge of and a passion for international development
• Direct experience working in developing countries preferred
• Experience using new technologies and/or be technology savvy and able to manage and maximize value of web-based platforms
• Working toward or have completed an MA or PhD in International Development, Communications, Business, or equivalent
• Highly-organized and pay attention to detail
• Knowledge of branding, design, and media editing and production
• Self-motivated to maximize opportunities to add value and learn
• French language proficiency (reading, writing or verbal) a strong plus

Click here to find out more.

WWF Science Internships

2013 WWF Science Internships 
  
 World Wildlife Fund – United States is look for student research interns! These internships are designed typically for graduate students, although some may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates. Projects can be undertaken over the summer (with extensions, as necessary, into the fall semester). Most projects could also be extended over the course of one or two semesters as part of a student’s course work or thesis requirements; advance arrangements would be necessary with faculty advisors. Internships are typically unpaid unless otherwise noted, but facilities, library resources, and computers at WWF headquarters are available. Hours are flexible. To qualify for an unpaid internship, the student must provide documentation that they are receiving credit from their university, or that the work they will be performing is consistent with a course requirement. 
  
In general, our interns need solid data management and writing skills, self-motivation, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Specific skills (required or preferred) are listed with each project, along with the primary contact person. 
  
To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the contact individual listed for each project, with 
“INTERNSHIP” and the relevant internship number listed in the subject line. 


  Available Internships

1.       Analyzing and Mainstreaming Forest Certification 
  
Intern sought to help consolidate new knowledge and tools at the business-policy interface for forests and agricultural commodities; build and synthesize evidence that demonstrates ways to capture environmental impacts of forest certification; and, mainstream results by bringing them to the attention of potential users and decision makers. Specific areas of focus may include:

	Using standardized methods for measuring carbon and other co-benefits

	Role of various voluntary carbon certification schemes e.g. VCS, CAR

 

Overlaps with existing certification schemes 

 
The successful applicant will have an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy or and/or environmental economics. Position requires excellent research and writing skills, with a preference for demonstrated expertise in policy analysis or framework analysis. Must be able to work efficiently and independently. Experience with agriculture and certification schemes would be a plus.

Stipend: Negotiable
 
Due date for CV and cover letter: March 15, 2013
Contact: Charlie Parker,   charlie.parker@wwfus.org
 
2. Protected Area Research Intern 

Protected areas are a cornerstone of global conservation strategy. Conservation policy assumes that national parks and other protected areas are permanent fixtures on the landscape, but recent WWF research demonstrates that a contrary phenomenon is affecting protected areas worldwide: Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing, and Degazettement, or PADDD. WWF is analyzing patterns, trends, and causes of PADDD, and their implications for the sustainability of conservation efforts. We are looking for a motivated intern to help us continue building our understanding of PADDD.

Internship responsibilities may include data collection on PADDD from existing datasets, popular, gray, and peer-reviewed literatures; administration of PADDDtracker.org (a wiki-style online database that integrates spatial mapping tools to collect and deliver data on PADDD); assistance in editing and producing content for PADDDtracker; development of new promotional material for outreach to the conservation community.
 
This internship is an excellent opportunity to interact with scientists in WWF-US and around the world; gain exposure to a wide range of conservation science and policy issues; and play an important part in contributing to our growing knowledge of the role of protected areas in conservation.
 
Minimum Requirements:
 
A successful candidate with have strong research, writing, and communication skills; excellent organizational skills, interest in conservation (particularly in global protected area systems), and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of GIS, Drupal, database management, reference management databases (such as EndNote or Mendeley), and website management experience preferred. Spanish or other language skills preferred.
 
Duration: May 2013 through August/September 2013 (Minimum 12 weeks)
 
Stipend: Unpaid internship. Only enrolled students are eligible for this internship and you must be able to receive academic credit from your current academic institution.
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2013
 
How to apply: Please email a resume & cover letter with the subject line “Internship Application” to Roopa
Krithivasan at   roopa.krithivasan@wwfus.org.
 
3.       Protected Area Research Intern – Democratic republic of Congo 

Protected areas are a cornerstone of global conservation strategy. Conservation policy assumes that national parks and other protected areas are permanent fixtures on the landscape, but recent WWF research demonstrates that a contrary phenomenon is affecting protected areas worldwide: Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing, and Degazettement, or PADDD. WWF is analyzing patterns, trends, and causes of PADDD, and their implications for the sustainability of conservation efforts. We are looking for a motivated intern to help us continue building our understanding of PADDD in the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC).
 
Internship responsibilities may include data collection on PADDD from existing datasets, archival legal documents, and popular, gray, and peer-reviewed literatures; will include review of legal documents (including microfilm) at the Library of Congress in Washington DC.
 
This internship is an excellent opportunity to interact with scientists in WWF-US and around the world; gain exposure to a wide range of conservation science and policy issues; and play an important part in contributing to our growing knowledge of the role of protected areas in conservation.
  

Discussion Question 5

This week, I'd like you, individually and collectively, to construct a vision for the United States' food system 30 years from now.

Think about how food in the US is currently grown, produced, marketed, moved, packaged, sold, consumed, and discarded. What needs to change? Why? What does a sustainable food system look like?

Then, importantly, I want you to consider how your desired changes can be made to occur. What needs to happen if your vision is to made real? Who will do the work of producing change, and what kinds of work must be done?

Looking forward to your responses, in anticipation of next week's discussion and our conversation with Professor Maniates.

AU Wecycling

Climate Change Communication Paid Internships, Summer 2013

National Park Service (National Capital Region) & George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication

Deadline: March 31, 2013

Description:

The National Park Service (NPS) cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.  In this capacity, NPS is in a unique position to observe changes brought about by global warming, and to engage park visitors and neighbors in conversations about climate change.  George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication (4C) conducts research on, and teaches about, climate change public engagement strategies.

Seven interns will have the opportunity to work with 4C, NPS park staff and the NPS’s Urban Ecology Research Learning Alliance on climate change communication projects at National Parks  in the Greater Washington, D.C. area in the summer of 2013.

Qualifications:

The 10-week internships are open to graduate students or exceptional rising senior undergraduate students studying in any relevant field.   Students must be attending a U.S. accredited college or university and must be legally allowed to work in the U.S.   All interns must pass a Federal government background check.

Please indicate in your resume and cover letter your experience or knowledge on the following::

-Background in communication, marketing. journalism, social science, or environmental sciences

-Experience with social media in an organizational context

-Volunteering or volunteer management experience

-Outdoor education, interpretation or natural resource management experience

One intern will serve the multimedia production needs of the intern team. This individual should have a background in visual and audio media, including photography, videography, sound/radio production, and/or graphic design.  If you would like to be considered for this position, please indicate so in your cover letter.

Dates, Duration, and Location:

Internships are full time (40 hours per week) for ten weeks, running from June 17 to August 23, 2013, with the possibility of extension through early September for individual interns if there schedule permits.   All work will take place in the Washington, DC metro area.  Housing is not provided.  Having a personal vehicle is strongly recommended but not required

Stipend: Interns will be paid $250 per week, paid biweekly.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit the following materials (combined as one PDF file with applicant’s name as the file name) tojrolfere@gmu.edu with “NPS4C:[Applicant Name]” as the subject line:  (1) your resume or CV; (2) your undergraduate and/or graduate transcript (unofficial is acceptable); (3) a one page cover letter discussing your specific interest in the internship and highlighting your qualifications.  The cover letter should also contain the name, contact information, and nature of the relationship (e.g., professor, employer) for two individuals who may serve as a reference. Inquiries regarding this internship may be directed to jrolfere@gmu.edu.  Applicants will be notified by mid April if they have been selected.

Deadline for all application materials: March 31, 2013

Diversity

The NPS and 4C seek a diverse cohort of interns.  Applicants with diverse backgrounds from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Paul Smith's College Job Openings

Paul Smith's College Job Opening

Positions:  Full-time temporary (approximately 25) and part-time temporary (few) positions available.

Full-time (40 hours) position works all weekends plus 3 days per week (5 days per week total);
Part-time position works weekends, plus Thursday mornings.

Background & Mission of the Program:
The Watershed Stewardship Program (WSP) at Paul Smith's College is a community-based program designed primarily to educate the public about aquatic invasive species (AIS) issues pertaining to specific watersheds. Stewards interact with visitors at boat ramps and perform watercraft inspections intended to prevent the transport of AIS. The WSP also fulfills research and service functions.

Steward locations: 
Upper St. Regis Lake, Rainbow Lake, Lake Placid (boat launch), Saratoga Lake, Tupper Lake, Raquette Lake, Fulton Chain of Lakes, Cranberry Lake and other lakes. Some stewards will be based in the west-central Adirondack area; others based in Saranac Lake-Lake Placid area.

Term of appointment:
May 20 – August 25, 2013 (14 weeks); 1 additional week until Labor Day required, depending on employee’s fall semester school schedule (15 weeks grand total).

Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Public education and natural/cultural history interpretation.
2. Perform watercraft inspections; remove AIS.
3. Data collection and analysis: recreational use patterns, AIS removal.
4. Service projects: exotic AIS mapping and control, operation of boat wash station, trail maintenance, etc.
5. Report writing.
6. Stewards will spend most of your days outdoors, in all weather.

General Qualifications:
1. Completed or pursuing a degree in natural resources, biology, environmental studies, science, or a related field.
2. Capable of performing duties independently and proactively.
3. Strong verbal communication, writing, and environmental interpretation skills.
4. Ability to work in inclement weather, both on and off the water.
5. Meet the College’s standard for effective medical coverage during the period of this appointment.
6. Experience operating and navigating small watercraft preferred.
7. Capacity to carry and maneuver up to 50 pounds and perform other strenuous activities preferred.

To Apply:
Applicants may submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references.
Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged and should be sent in Word format to: employment@paulsmiths.edu

Mailing address: Recruitment Manager, Paul Smith’s College, PO Box 265, Paul Smiths, NY 12970.
Faxed to: (518) 327-6161. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Discussion Question 4

Hi all --

As you know, we'll be talking about food and agriculture during our next couple of sessions. Here are some questions to ponder (and respond to on your blogs) as we look to our next class:

1. What, exactly, do you think about when you make food choices? Do you have environmental considerations in mind? Or other stuff?

2. Take a few moments to consider everything you've eaten in the last day or two. Of the food or beverage items you've consumed, which, in your estimation, has had the greatest environmental impact? Why?