Category Archives: Concerns

UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)

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UNESCO: Rio+20

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/rioplus20/

“The UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) will be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012 and the hope is that this gathering will refocus on the original goals of the first Rio convention held in 1992. UNESCO hopes that Rio+20 will “underpin a broader, longer-term process of redressing imbalances, a rethinking of priorities, and the necessary institutional reforms to bring about coherence in economic, environmental and social policies, which benefits all members of society.” On this site, visitors can learn about UNESCO’s “messages” for those participating in Rio+20, which cover “Education for a Sustainable Future” and “Building Awareness for Green Policies”. Moving along, the “Resources” area contains timely research documents like “From Green Economics to Green Societies” and “Blueprint for Ocean and Coastal Sustainability”. Also, visitors shouldn’t miss the “Video” area, which includes information about UNESCO’s outreach efforts in addressing the digital divide and incorporating media partners into educating the public about sustainable development.”

Source: Scout Report, Univ. of Wisconsin, Jan. 20.

Strategic Plan for U.S. Global Change Research Program

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(photo ©image 100/Corbis) “Plan for U.S. Global Change Research Program Reviewed
The draft 10-year strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program is “evolving in the right direction,” but several key issues could strengthen these planning efforts, says a new report from the National Research Council.”

Source: What’s New at the National Academies, Jan. 9, 2012

Toxic Chemicals used in Fracking, Hydraulic Fracturing

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*NLM Technical Bulletin, Nov-Dec 2011, TOXMAP: Learn About Toxic Chemicals Used in Hydraulic Fracturing

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/techbull/nd11/nd11_sis_reprint_toxmap.html

Source: NLM New files for the week of Dec 12, 2011

National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council Report

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News from the National Academies

Date: Aug. 24, 2011

Climate Change and Extreme Hydrology

A “grand challenge” to understand the manifestation of change in floods and droughts faces climate and water science researchers, says a new report from the National Research Council based on proceedings from a workshop. A coherent picture of how these phenomena will shift due to changes in climate and land use has yet to emerge, but better understanding could be achieved through greater exchange of research findings among climate scientists, water scientists, and engineers.

EPA to incorporate sustainability guidelines in decision-making

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“Report Offers Framework To Guide EPA On Incorporating Sustainability In Its Decision Making

WASHINGTON – A new report from the National Research Council presents a framework for incorporating sustainability into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s principles and decision making. The framework, which was requested by EPA, is intended to help the agency better assess the social, environmental, and economic impacts of various options as it makes decisions.

The committee that developed the framework used the definition of sustainability based on a declaration of federal policy in the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act and included in a 2009 Executive Order: “to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations.”

Source: What’s New @ the National Academies, Aug. 8, 2011

Changing Planet, series from NBC Learn

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New Series: “Changing Planet” Town Hall #2

On Tuesday, July 26th at 9 PM/ET, the Weather Channel will air another “Changing Planet” town hall produced by NBC Learn and moderated by NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent Anne Thompson. Changing Planet: Clean Energy, Green Jobs, and Global Competition was filmed at George Washington University. It’s the second in a three-part series produced with the National Science Foundation and Discover magazine. The town hall will also be available after the broadcasts on nbclearn.com/changingplanet.

From an email NBC learn July Newsletter, 7/18/11

Earth Charter Initiative & (New) Journal of Environmental Studies & Sciences

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http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/pages/Read-the-Charter.html

Take a look at the Earth Charter, Values and Principles for a sustainable future :

discovered in a reference: Earth Charter Commission (2000) of the article:

“Role of an environmental studies course on the formation of environmental worldviews: a case study of a core curriculum requirement using the NEP Scale”

Bethany L. Woodworth, Michelle M. Steen-Adams and Prashant Mittal

in a new journal: Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, published by Springer.

The Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences is the official publication of the newly formed Association of Environmental Sciences and Studies (AESS).

World Water Day March 22nd — Nature Conservancy

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“Where does your drinking water come from?

A simple question, but how many people actually know the answer? Watch this video as we took to the streets to find out and then check out the results of our national poll.

In honor of World Water Day, today, March 22, we hope you take the time to get to know where your family’s most precious resource comes from.

Locate your city on this interactive graphic to find out where your water comes from and how supporters like you help to protect that source.

At a time when the natural world is under increasing stress, our rivers, lakes, wetlands and streams may be the most at risk. Here are a few things you can do to celebrate World Water Day and ensure healthy water for you and your family for years to come.

· Give a gift to The Nature Conservancy today to help support many initiatives including our Freshwater work.

· Watch and share this video of my eight-year-old son, Luca, as he demonstrates how natural eco-systems keep water clean.

· Share your favorite rivers and lakes photos to help inspire others to care for our freshwater resources.

· Get tips on how you and your family can save water and share them with your network of friends and family through Facebook and Twitter.

You can also read about how the people of Palau are unifying to protect their water on a local level, and how this approach could be used to inspire collaboration in communities across the globe.”

Source Nature Conservancy email, 3/22/11