Monday, March 23, 2010
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CES News
- “Treasures of the Earth: Need, Greed and a Sustainable Future,” March 24 (Wednesday), Joukowsky Forum
- “Marine Spatial Planning and the Ocean Policy Task Force,” CES Noon Seminar, March 25 (Thursday)
- "Sustainable Design is Something You Have to Do; and then Redo, and Redo, and...” RISD/Respond Design Lecture Series, March 24 (Wednesday)
- Rhode Island Watershed Pollution Workshop, March 25 (Thursday)
- "Keeping Local Food Safe, and Safe Food Local,” April 9
- Master Energy Training Program
Internships & Opportunities
- Early Entry Deadline Reminder from Ashoka's Changemakers, March 24 (Wednesday)
- Internship in Historic Agriculture at Coggeshall Farm Museum
- Research Analyst and GIS Specialist Positions Open at Industrial Economics, Incorporated
- Summer Internships available at UMASS Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology
- UNEP North American Environmental Youth Network Accepting Applications
- Study Abroad Opportunity in Spain – a World Leader in Renewable Energy and Production!
- Communications & Outreach Intern Opportunity
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CES News_____________________
WEDNESDAY: Brown bag lunch
Wednesday, March 24, Noon
Joukowsky Forum, Room 155, Watson Institute, 111 Thayer St.
Treasures of the Earth: Need Greed and a Sustainable Future
Saleem Ali, Adjunct Associate Professor, Watson Institute, Brown University
Associate Professor of Environmental Planning and Asian Studies, University of Vermont
Saleem Ali is the author of Mining, the Environment and Indigenous Development Conflicts and more recently, Treasures of the Earth: Need, Greed, and a Sustainable Future, the topic of this seminar. http://yalepress.yale.edu/YupBooks/reviews.asp?isbn=9780300141610 which is a finalist for the "book of the year" award from Foreword magazine in the category for environment: http://www.bookoftheyearawards.com/books/9780300141610/ . Scientific American also chose the book as a "notable read" in their January issue and National Geographic has invited me for a plenary presentation in Washington in May.
THURSDAY: CES Noon Seminar
Thursday, March 25, Noon
Urban Environmental Lab Room 106, 135 Angell Street
Marine Spatial Planning and the Ocean Policy Task Force
Sandra Whitehouse, PhD
Environmental Consultant and Policy Advisor
Ocean Conservancy
Dr. Sandra Whitehouse is a longtime environmental advocate and policy advisor who uses her expertise in marine science to help shape environmental initiatives in Rhode Island and on the federal level. She has worked as an environmental consultant for the past decade, providing research, analysis, and advice on environmental policy issues to clients including the Rhode Island General Assembly, the Coastal States Stewardship Foundation and the Ocean Conservancy. Dr. Whitehouse is a former chair of Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Management Council and has served on the boards of Save the Bay, the Nature Conservancy’s Rhode Island chapter, the Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting, The Aquidneck Island Land Trust, Grow Smart Rhode Island, and the University of Rhode Island’s Marine Advisory Council, among others.
Thursday, March 25
Noon
Pizza served for $1.00/slice
Off-Campus_______
"Sustainable Design is Something You Have to Do; and then Redo, and Redo, and..."
Cameron Tonkinwise
Wednesday, March 24th
6:00pm/BEB 106
RISD
Speaker Details: Cameron Tonkinwise is Chair of Business Design and Sustainability in the School of Design Strategies at Parsons the New School for Design. He is also Co-Chair of the Tishman Environment and Design Center at the New School. Before coming to New York in 2008, Cameron was Director of Design Studies at the University of Technology, Sydney and Executive Officer of Change Design, formerly known as the EcoDesign Foundation, an independent sustainable design think-tank. Cameron¹s Ph.D. concerned the teaching strategies of the philosopher Martin Heidegger, and he continues to explore what design can learn from philosophy and philosophy from design. Cameron¹s current research concerns reducing societal materials intensity through designs that afford more sustainable living habits and service systems that enable shared-product-use.
Lecture Details: This presentation will critically review the tendency of sustainable design thinkers to believe that holistic mindsets are a once-and-for-all solution to the development of a more sustainable societal future. It will argue that holism is not possible with respect to design, that what is needed are not simple or singular mindsets, but repeated design actions and that sustainability is an interminable practice; or that interminability is a way of understanding sustainability. In short, sustainability is ineluctably political, as, but also with and beyond, design.
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Rhode Island Watershed Pollution Workshop
Thursday, March 25, New Urban Arts 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Come participate in a training session for volunteers who want to help out with flag-making workshops for the public! The resulting flags will be used by the creators or other participants to carry and wave in the 3rd annual procession, bringing awareness to others about the environmental issues related to Mashapaug Pond and the Roger Williams Park Ponds.
In the training session you will learn: more about the procession; the history of the environmental issues; what is being done to mitigate them; what the public can do to help the pond heal; history and significance of Gorham Silver manufacturing company that once stood on the north shore of the pond (1896- 1967). You'll also be introduced to the flag-making process that has been designed for short one-time workshops with the public at various sites near the ponds and you will get a chance to work on your own flag. After the workshop, you'll be able to sign up for a couple workshops to co-lead, if you'd like. Your questions, comments and suggestions are all welcomed as this is the first time we have done things quite this way.
Please email Hewald@me.com to reserve a spot or just show up!
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"Keeping Local Food Safe, and Safe Food Local"
Steve Gilman, Organic Farming Advocate
April 9, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Brown University Laboratories for Molecular Medicine
70 Ship Street
A discussion of pending U.S. food safety legislation and how it will affect small farms in RI. Can a law that protects us from the health risks of agri-business also be fair and practical for small and organic farms? Come and hear about how the bill would affect the food supply and the small farmer, and what is being done to make it more appropriate for farms in our state.
Steve Gilman was an organic herb and vegetable farmer for 30 years in the Saratoga, NY area before managing a three year USDA organic research project (North East Organic Network or NEON) in the mid 2000's. Since 2006 he has been working as Policy Coordinator for the Northeast Organic Farming Association Interstate Council and representing NOFA on the National Organic Coalition and the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. Over the past year, governmental food safety initiatives have been his main focus.
Sponsored by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of RI (NOFA/RI). Admission is free for NOFA members and students. $5 for nonmembers. Coffee and information about local organic farms will be available at 6:30. For more information, contact NOFA/RI at 401-523-2653 or nofari@live.com.
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Master Energy Training Program
This spring, theURIEnergyCenterwill be having its 3rd annual Master Energy Training Program at theUniversityofRhode Island Kingston Campus. TheURIEnergyCenterwanted to extend an invitation to your organization and any of your clients or constituents.
The Master Energy Program is a 5-session training program that provides interested homeowners and business owners with practical information on how to save money and the environment with energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy. We are currently planning a municipal training that will soon be offered as a separate course.
This program also covers energy use in the community, from collaborative initiatives in green building and business to the latest information on energy legislation, government incentives and policy.
Modeled after the URI Master Gardener program and the URI Master Composter & Recycler program, the Master Energy Program will be taught by Robert S. Cerio, who has over 25 years of experience as an energy resource manager.
Program Topics & Dates
Wednesday, March 31, 5:30-7:30 PM: From Fossil Fuels to Future Fuels
Wednesday, April 7, 5:30-7:30 PM: Low Cost/No Cost Home Energy Solutions
Wednesday, April 14, 5:30-7:30 PM: Big Investment, Big Return: Residential Renewables
Wednesday, April 21, 5:30-7:30 PM: Energy Policy from the Ground Up: Legislation, Policy and Incentives
Wednesday, April 28, 5:30-7:30 PM: How Lil' Rhody Leads the Way: Local Energy Initiatives
Details
Location:Auditorium,KirkCenterfor Advanced Technology,UniversityofRhode Island,KingstonCampus
Fee:$75, includes 5 sessions & a resource manual,Space is limited
For more information visit:http://www.uri.edu/cels/ceoc/ec/energytraining.html
Internships & Opportunities_______
Early Entry Deadline Reminder from Ashoka's Changemakers
Ashoka’s Changemakers and Green Mountain Coffee are looking for innovations that strengthen local communities in Maine, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. We hope you will join us forRevelation to Action: Your Place Your Idea Your Change.
If you would like to participate, but have not entered, this is a reminder that the Early Entry Deadline is coming up in one week, on Wednesday, March 24th.
Submit your entry by 5pm EST on March 24th, and you will be part of a random drawing conducted by Green Mountain Coffee. Three winners will each receive a Keurig Coffee Brewer and a 12-month supply of coffee. The three winners will also be featured on the Changemakers website and in marketing materials.
Enter by the final competition deadline on April 21st, 2010 and have the chance to vie for one of ten $5,000 prizes. Winners will also be invited to participate in a Celebration Event with Ashoka’s Changemakers and Green Mountain Coffee during summer 2010. For more detail go towww.changemakers.com/revelationand click on Guidelines, Criteria and Prizes.
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Internship in Historic Agriculture at Coggeshall Farm Museum
Interested in History? Sustainable Agriculture? Heirloom Plants? Enjoy working Outdoors and with the Public?
This internship allows participants to gain experience with heirloom field crops in an 18th century agricultural exhibit using period techniques and modern organic agriculture. Interns will grow heirloom corps, primarily flint corn, and will record and report on its growth throughout the season. The intern will be required to work with the public in third person interpretation (speaking with visitors from a modern perspective) and or first person interpretation (role-playing and speaking from a historic viewpoint) while wearing period costume. The work is physically demanding and the intern will work outdoors in all weather-hot, cold, wet, dry. The intern may also have the opportunity to work with the museum’s livestock, and may be required to assist with other aspects of the agricultural exhibit.
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the museum to request an internship application. Deadline for applications is April 23rd, 2010. Apply today to be a part of one of New England’s historic treasures!
www.CoggeshallFarm.org
CoggeshallFarm@verizon.net
401.253.9062
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Research Analyst and GIS Specialist Positions Open at Industrial Economics, Incorporated
Industrial Economics, Incorporated (IEc) was founded in 1981 to provide expert analysis to government decision makers and regulators, corporate strategic planners, trade associations, and other clients. IEc is particularly known for developing conceptually correct and practical approaches to analyze complex problems and issues. IEc's work emphasizes the application of rigorous analytical thinking, the exercise of well-reasoned judgment, and responsiveness to client needs.
Research Analyst Position
Individuals with undergraduate training and limited prior work experience join IEc as Research Analysts. Working with other IEc consultants, Research Analysts gather and evaluate data; perform analyses using a variety of economic, financial, or scientific methods; and communicate results in both written and oral form. An RA’s responsibilities require consistent exercise of discretion and judgment to work on projects of significance to IEc and its clients.
GIS Specialist
The GIS Specialist will be responsible for a mix of project work, including:
- Developing presentation quality mapping products,
- Designing and implementing detailed spatial analyses,
- Interpreting and communicating results via oral presentations and written reports,
- Training staff on spatial theory, methods, and software,
- Recommending approaches to achieve project objectives, and
- Coordinating Research Analysts' tasks and schedule work to meet completion dates.
For more information on both of these positions and to apply, visit http://www.indecon.com/iec_Web/mainmenu/openpositions.asp.
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Summer Internships available at UMASS Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology
The Coastal Systems Group of the UMASS Dartmouth School of Marine Science is offering summer internships in Coastal Marine Ecology. Students accepted into this competitive 10-12 week program will participate in both field data collection and laboratory analyses. Research areas include estuarine water quality monitoring, nutrient cycling, and wetlands ecology. Successful candidates should be capable of working both independently and as part of a team. Preference is given to undergraduate juniors and seniors interested in pursuing graduate studies in marine science.
Prospective candidates may obtain more information about the research focus of the Coastal Systems Group at the link provided below.
http://www.smast.umassd.edu/Coastal/research/Ongoing_Research.html
Review of applications will be performed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. A minimum of three positions are anticipated based upon current funding. Applications must include: Cover letter, Resume, Unofficial transcript, and three references. Candidates should send applications to:
David Schlezinger
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
School for Marine Science and Technology
706 South Rodney French Blvd.
New Bedford, MA 02744
Alternatively, applications may be submitted by e-mail to: dschlezinger@umassd.edu
Please include: “Coastal Systems Internship” in the subject line.
Stipend for this summer internship is ~$4000/12 weeks. UMASS Dartmouth is an AA/EEO. 
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UNEP North American Environmental Youth Network Accepting Applications
Are you interested in being part of an environmental youth network in North America?
If so, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is now accepting applications from dynamic youth who would like to be part of its North American Tunza Youth Network.
UNEP recognizes education as a key part of understanding and mitigating climate change. This network helps to empower and educate youth and the general public on ways to conserve resources. In collaboration with UNEP, representatives of the youth network play an active role in spreading this educational effort around the region. The network serves as a way to augment and highlight the environmental work that North American youth are doing in the region while also connecting North American youth to the greater global Tunza network. It allows North American youth to showcase their environmental work on a regional and international platform.
UNEP’s goal with the North American Tunza Youth Network is to set in motion an ongoing effort by high school and university students to educate their communities about methods of conservation in a world where natural resources are becoming increasingly scarce. As the network grows, representatives will create a self-sustaining network of youth leaders around the United States and Canada.
Twenty-two (22) youth from around the U.S. and Canada will be selected for the 2010-2011 school year. The aim of this nation-wide network is to increase awareness of resource conservation, and will be led by university and high school students who will use educational events to reach out to their communities. Three audiences will be specifically targeted: children ages 8-14, youth ages 14-22, and the general community. University and high school students will engage these audiences in events such as a resource conservation fair at an elementary school or handing out eco-friendly bulbs to homeowners around a university campus.
Youth Network representatives will play a unique role in this youth network, as they will be the direct connection to UNEP’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA). They will liaise with UNEP RONA to develop strategies for the growth of the network, update volunteers on activities taking place within the network, and play a leadership role in deciding future goals of the network.
This North American youth network is new, but not unique in its efforts to educate the public about climate change. Youth who have had experience in organizing grassroots activities or other educational campaigns are encouraged to apply; however, such previous experience is not necessary.
For more information contact Ms. Khairoon Abbas at khairoon.abbas@unep.org.
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Study Abroad Opportunity in Spain – a World Leader in Renewable Energy and Production!
A new opportunity beginning Fall 2010!
No previous Spanish language study necessary.
Overnight excursions and daytrips complement this unique interdisciplinary curriculum in the field of environmental studies.
Excursion Sites:
(vary by semester)
- Sierra Nevada National Park
- Doña Ana National Park and Reserve
- Costa Tropical
- Solar platforms
- Wind farms
- Historic & cultural sites
Based at the prestigious University of Granada, through the Centro de Lenguas Modernas.
Students may earn a Co-Curricular Learning Certificate in addition to semester credits.
Elective Topics:
(taught in English)
- Renewable energies
- Ecosystems of the region
- Climatology and meteorology
- Sustainable development
- Environmental policy in Spain and the EU
- And more!
View complete course overview and credits.
Fall application deadline is April 20, 2010.
For further information, please email our Program Manager Cliff Tironi for more information.
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Communications & Outreach Intern Opportunity
The Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) is recruiting a committed and engaged intern to fill a Communications and Outreach position for the spring/summer of 2010. Located on the rocky coastline in Blue Hill, Maine, MERI is a non-profit scientific research and education organization dedicated to understanding the impacts of environmental pollutants on wildlife and human health, and to interpreting this information for a broad audience.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience pitching media, assisting in editorial coverage, writing, distributing press releases, building contacts (media and government agencies), and enhancing your graphic skills. The ideal candidate will have a background in environmental journalism and communications and possess a personal interest in the marine environment and human health.
Job Description:
-Assist the Director, Associate Director and development staff with the implementation of MERI's communications, outreach and development strategies
-Assist in development, implementation and maintenance of the MERI website, including writing and editing text, visual content, and designing layout.
-Assist with preparation of publicity and marketing materials, including flyers, advertisements, fact sheets and press releases, with a particular focus on graphics.
-Organize and manage the MERI Image Library; serve as staff photographer for programs and events.
-Update and organize email databases.
-Assist in operating the MERI audiovisual system for lectures and events.
-Assist with day-to-day operation of the MERI Center, and with some weekend and evening programs and events.
-Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or designee
Reports to: Development Coordinator, Associate Director and Director
Qualifications:
Applicants should possess a BA or BS degree in environmental sciences, journalism, communications or a related major (Juniors and Seniors may also apply), and have prior workplace experience as well as good interpersonal communications and writing skills. Applicants must be fluent in English. Applicants must be able to adapt to a changing work environment, and at times, be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about presenting scientific and environmental information to a diverse audience through different media. Knowledge of computer software including the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and other graphics software is required; photography and graphics skills a definite plus. Must possess authorization to work in the US, a valid drivers license and a good driving record.
Time Requirements:
This position requires a 6-month commitment (minimum) from approximately April to October 2010 (start and end dates are somewhat flexible). Upon a satisfactory review, the internship may be extended up to one year. Full-time hours (40 hours/week); additional hours to be agreed upon by intern and the Director.
To Apply: If you are interested in applying for this position, please email a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references in pdf or doc format to:
Sarah Curts
scurts@meriresearch.org
No phone calls please
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Please send questions, comments and stories to:
CES Newsletter Editor, Kelly Nichols
kelly.maree.nichols@gmail.com
Thanks!