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Energy And Climate Change Issues Around Csudh, Alex E. Perez, Tara B. Jones, Raju Bista, Parveen K. Chhetri

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change

Climate change is posing significant challenges to California’s energy sector. Extreme weather events (heat and cold) may pressure existing infrastructure. Many studies have indicated that extreme climate events would impact the energy system by affecting peak electricity demand. However, very few studies have been conducted to understand how disadvantaged communities (DACs) will be impacted. Because of unequal access to energy infrastructure (electricity generation and battery storage), DACs are more vulnerable to power outages due to the rising number of significant weather events caused by climate change. To address the issue of how DACs are disproportionately affected by climate change-related energy …

Exploring The Use Of Trauma Informed Practices In Campus As Lab Programs: Learnings From A Workshop Series, Laurelin Haas, Rachelle L. Haddock, Joe Fullerton

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change

With the intersectional challenges of the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and mental health challenges in various forms, empowerment can hold a significant key to mitigating and preventing traumatic experiences at post-secondary institutions. Campus as Lab (CaL) is a growing trend in higher education whereby students, faculty, and staff use experiential learning and applied research projects to advance sustainability on their campuses. It is a unique, empowering learning methodology that can synergistically benefit academic and operational sustainability efforts at post-secondary institutions. In July 2021, a group of professionals who support or lead CaL initiatives gathered to participate in four Summer …

Full Issue

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change, 2022, Volume 2.

Public Trust Guiding Principles And Action Plan, California Coastal Commission

State & Federal Reports and Publications

The goal of this document is to describe how the public trust doctrine relates to the Coastal Commission’s and local governments’ work on sea level rise planning under the Coastal Act. Section 1 presents a series of principles that guide the Commission’s and local governments’ work on this subject, and Section 2 sets forth next steps and research priorities for the Commission.

Check Out The Library, 2023 Spring Issue, Cal Poly Humboldt Library

Library Publications

Table of Contents

• Favorite Places to Learn
• Digital Herbarium Takes 3D Shape at the Library
• New Staff Join the Cal Poly Humboldt Library Team
• Humboldt Celebrates Campus and Community Authors
• Book Recommendations Wanted!
• Students are Talking: Special Collections Videos
• Voices from Behind the Desk
• Making History Accessible in Special Collections
• Celebrating Environmental Conservation History
• 2023 Digital Publishing Catalog

Polytech To Polytek: Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Indigenous Science, And The Future Forward Polytechnic University, Cutcha Risling Baldy, Kaitlin P. Reed, Kayla Begay

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

It is clear from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Polytechnic Prospectus that Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous communities are key parts of what elevates Humboldt’s development of a polytechnic university for the next century. The prospectus demonstrates Humboldt's proposed framework for a different comprehensive polytechnic "will also be informed by Indigenous communities and ways of knowing, as many Native peoples have lived sustainably in their places since time immemorial” (19). There are many considerations when engaging with TEK, especially around sustainable use. It is also important that engagement with TEK and Indigenous science not only center knowledge sharing, but also how …

Fostering Socio-Ecological Resilience To Wildfire By Interconnecting Knowledge Systems At Cal Poly Humboldt, Jeffrey M. Kane, Erin Kelly, Benjamin Graham, David Greene

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

The wildfire-related challenges of Northern California and many other regions in the western United States are daunting in scope and magnitude. Ecologically and culturally salient solutions that limit the negative impacts of wildfire and promote resilience of human and ecological systems will require newer approaches. Through Cal Poly Humboldt and the Fire Resilience Institute, there is greater emphasis on the interconnection of knowledge systems across education, training, research, and management. Here we highlight several on-going efforts that seek to enhance the fire resilience workforce, promote socio-ecological resilience through interdisciplinary projects, and inform management through monitoring and research projects that intentionally …

Critical Realignment Of Humboldt’S “Normal School”: Meeting The Changing Landscape Of Teacher Education, Heather H. Ballinger, Libbi Miller, Sara K. Sterner, James Woglom, Sarah Mccue-Green

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

Our team of teacher educators share our process for reconceptualizing and reaffirming our vision of teacher education as the larger university shifts focus to that of becoming a polytechnic institution. We developed a heuristic to help us articulate our vision based on our commitments and contexts, and discuss the practical implications that this work has in our coursework and clinical practice. Our vision of the polytechnic teacher centers around four commitments: reflective, relational, reconstructive and research-oriented teaching. These commitments are informed by and exist in relationship with broader concepts of positionality, communities of practice, community partners, and polytechnic perspectives.

Analyzing Residential Curbside Collection For Food Waste In Humboldt County, Yvette Lindler

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The most prevalent material in the California landfill-destined solid waste stream is food. Food waste is not only an economic and social concern, but a significant environmental challenge as well. Most food waste is disposed of in landfills, where it anaerobically decomposes and releases methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas and driver of climate change. Policies passed in California, including AB 1826 and SB 1383, aim to implement organic waste recycling programs and reduce methane emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills. The technology to process this food waste exists, but these facilities are limited or nonexistent in rural areas …

Socio-Economic Comparative Analysis Of Front-Of-The-Meter And Behind-The-Meter Microgrids For Panamnik, Olivia C. Amann Mcshea

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In Northern California, the Karuk Tribe is feeling the effects of climate change on inadequate energy infrastructures leading to unreliable power supply. Improving energy reliability in a way that also increases energy sovereignty is necessary. Renewable energy microgrids have emerged as a pathway forward.

Modeling ownership structures and cash flows for different microgrid configurations can support the Tribe’s implementation of a microgrid in Orleans, CA that maximizes community benefits. This thesis considers a front-of-the-meter (FTM) and behind-the-meter (BTM) configuration, both approximately 2 MW solar PV and 3 MW/12 MWh battery energy storage. Cash flows including capital costs, operations and maintenance …

Book Review: Oregon Plans: The Making Of An Unquiet Land Use Revolutions By Sy Adler, Ian Erickson

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

Book Review: Oregon plans: The Making of an Unquiet Land Use Revolutions by Sy Adler

The Art Of Social Justice, Jennifer Miles, Laura Dawson

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

As this HJSR special issue on social justice unfolded, it became clear to the editorial team that this publication would be incomplete without addressing the well-documented role of art in social justice movements. We asked two of our managing editors, Jennifer Miles and Laura Dawson, to research and write about this area of social action. They interviewed two artists, a spoken word performer and a visual artist, both of whom understand their art as part of larger social justice projects. These artists raise awareness, highlight obstacles and avenues for change, and create space for solidarity and sanctuary. The following montage …

Full Journal

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

The theme of Issue 34 of the Humboldt Journal of Social Relations is Social Justice Action, Teaching, and Research.

Injustice Within Renewable Energy Life Cycles: Can Irena Offer A Solution?, G. Webster Ross

IdeaFest: Interdisciplinary Journal of Creative Works and Research from Cal Poly Humboldt

This paper explores case studies of green colonialism, supply chain injustices, and poor e-waste management within renewable energy life cycles, and investigates how the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) may be the best suited organization to address and mitigate these issues on a global scale. While renewable energy technology is often heralded as the key to a sustainable future, the life cycle of these technologies is riddled with human rights violations and other injustices. To begin with, many of the minerals required for assembling the hardware are mined in unregulated environments, resulting in several injustices such as health and safety …

The Lumberjack, October 26, 2022

Cal Poly Humboldt's Student Newspaper

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University.

Front Matter

Redwood Roots Digital Magazine

No abstract provided.

Full Issue

Redwood Roots Digital Magazine

No abstract provided.

Ab 691 Synthesis Report, California State Lands Commission

State & Federal Reports and Publications

Since the passage of AB 691, the Commission has worked closely with the trustees by providing resources and guidance to address challenges they encountered while developing the assessments. This report aims to meet the goals including a synthesis of the trustees’ AB 691 assessments followed by a set of recommendations to provide local and state decision makers with effective short- and long-term policy goals, strategies, and targeted assistance that is responsive to the trustees’ real-world challenges.

Towards More Equitable Nature-Based Coastal Adaptation In California: Recommendations For Improving Social Equity In Funding, Policy, And Research, California Ocean Science Trust

State & Federal Reports and Publications

This report was produced by Ocean Science Trust (OST) with funding from
the Honda USA Foundation, and is intended to provide framing and insights
to support advancement towards more equitable approaches to nature-based
coastal adaptation and shoreline management in California. This report also provides nine evidence-based policy recommendations and seven research needs for improving social equity in coastal management, funding decisions, and research related to nature-based coastal adaptation, and can help inform alignment between the State of California’s equity, biodiversity, and coastal resilience goals.

View the report's resources here.

Social Science Research To Help Advance Regional Coordination And Collaboration Of Sea Level Rise Planning And Adaptation On Humboldt Bay, Kristen Orth-Gordinier

Student Projects

Humboldt Bay is experiencing the fastest rate of relative sea level rise in California and is likely to experience severe sea level rise (SLR) flooding within the next two decades. The Humboldt Bay shoreline is owned and governed by a patchwork of entities with different missions and jurisdictions so coordination of SLR planning will be critical because flooding of hydrologic areas from tidal waters can cross political boundaries. The goal of this project was to conduct social science research that can inform and advance the development of regional coordination and collaboration related to SLR in Humboldt Bay. To do this, …

The Lumberjack, April 13, 2022

Cal Poly Humboldt's Student Newspaper

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University.

The Lumberjack, March 30, 2022

Cal Poly Humboldt's Student Newspaper

The student newspaper of Humboldt State University.

Regional Coordination Of Sea Level Rise Adaptation Planning On Humboldt Bay: Results From A Survey Of Coastal Professionals, Kristen Orth-Gordinier, Laurie Richmond, Bente Jansen

Local Reports and Publications

Humboldt State University researchers and Humboldt County Long Range Planning staff partnered to develop and implement a survey of coastal professionals connected to Humboldt Bay in order to gain insights into their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of sea level rise (SLR) and their preferences for various coordination strategies. A key goal of the study was to use this information to inform the development of options for SLR adaptation planning in the Humboldt Bay region that will foster a cooperative and coordinated regional approach.

Cal Poly Humboldt Publishing Catalog, The Press At Cal Poly Humboldt

Author Resources

A catalog of publications from Cal Poly Humboldt. To view the catalog online, click here.

Healthy Environmental Communication Practices, Michelle Monique Magana

Communication Senior Capstones

The goal of my academic research is to highlight the importance of appropriate, scientifically correct and accurate communication when discussing Environmental Health. If we want to begin making changes to help our environment to become more sustainable and ultimately provide more years of existence we must stop the lies, propaganda and spread of misinformation. “Communication constructs a social world that is relational, collaborative, strategic, symbolic, and adaptive” (Learning Outcomes in Communication). The objective is to understand the discourse on environmental issues and try to use our communication discipline to engage and dissect this issue from a Communication perspective. Our standards …

State Agency Sea-Level Rise Action Plan For California, Sea-Level Rise Leadership Team, Ocean Protection Council

State & Federal Reports and Publications

Numerous state agencies are dedicated to helping California prepare for sea-level rise (SLR). Our vision is to make all of California, including its coastlines, inland areas, and bays and estuaries, resilient to the impacts of SLR, such as flooding, erosion, and habitat degradation and loss. This occurs through thoughtful and coordinated plans and projects aimed to protect and conserve our unique biodiversity, public health and safety, infrastructure, outdoor access, and coastal economy. This must be done through an equitable process, inclusive of all Californians, that prioritizes environmental and climate justice with an emphasis on partnerships with California Native American tribes …

Archiving Feminist Truth In Trump’S Wake Of Lies, Julie Shayne

Humboldt Journal of Social Relations

This article is about an assignment I do in one of my Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies social movement classes. I revised the assignment the first time teaching the class after Trump lost the 2020 election. For the assignment, students work in groups to research local feminist and gender justice organizations and deposit all of their original materials – recordings, photos, flyers, etc. – into a digital, open access archive I co-created several years ago with librarians and staff on my campus. In 2021 I had my students do the “post-Trump” edition where they researched local organizations about how their …

Settler Colonialism And White Environmentalism In The 'Uba, Aleena Church

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Settler colonialism continues to shape present injustices of Indigenous Peoples. The settlers of Nevada County do not recognize the historical past of colonialism and how it has changed the Nisenan Tribes relationship to these lands/waters. Or how colonization still thrives in Nevada County through settler relationships with these lands/waters. Settler colonialism is ongoing, it is not an event that happened during the gold rush. I use the South 'Uba River (South Yuba River) as an example for how settler colonialism continues to perpetuate violence and genocide amongst the Nisenan Peoples. As we, settlers, occupy these lands and waters we must …

Assessing The Potential And Pathways For Renewable Energy Transformations In Orleans, California, Malcolm Prescott Moncheur De Rieudotte

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In what is now known as the state of California in the United States, the Karuk Tribe is interested in deploying a renewable-powered microgrid in the rural community of Orleans to improve electricity system reliability and resilience to address a wide range of challenges, including extreme events such as wildfires. This study assesses the potential of local distributed renewable energy and battery storage to meet Orleans' energy needs today and in the increasingly electrified future using an energy model. It also identifies existing cultural and social priorities for energy technology along with structural barriers to renewable energy adoption and the …

Nā Pua Makani Wind Farm: The Shifting Winds Of Renewable Development In HawaiʻI, George Webster Ross Iv

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

In 2015, Hawaiʻi set the most ambitious renewable energy portfolio goal in the nation by vowing to reach 100% renewable energy by 2045. Since then, many renewable energy development projects in Hawaiʻi have been met with strong community opposition, including the Nā Pua Makani wind farm (NPM) in Kahuku. The aim of this project is to analyze the process timeline of NPM to identify factors in the development process that contributed to organized protest, and to offer recommendations for improving the process. In order to get a full picture of the events throughout the Nā Pua Makani project’s timeline, my …