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Agenda: Shifting Baselines And New Meridians: Water, Resources, Landscapes, And The Transformation Of The American West, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Shifting Baselines and New Meridians: Water, Resources, Landscapes, and the Transformation of the American West (Summer Conference, June 4-6)

The Center’s 29th annual conference will focus on the changes in the West resulting from rapid population growth, development, disrupted historical weather patterns and the effects of those changes on land, water, and energy resources. Speakers and panelists will address the adaptability of the legal and political institutions and how the transformation of the West may foreshadow fundamental changes to these institutions.

The agenda includes panel discussions that will address:

• Water for the 21^st Century —the big questions in Western water and rethinking Western water law.
• The Future of Energy —practical and sophisticated solutions to overcome the energy …

Global Farm Animal Production And Global Warming: Impacting And Mitigating Climate Change, Gowri Koneswaran, Danielle Nierenberg

Agribusiness Collection

BACKGROUND: The farm animal sector is the single largest anthropogenic user of land, contributing to many environmental problems, including global warming and climate change.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to synthesize and expand upon existing data on the contribution of farm animal production to climate change.

METHODS: We analyzed the scientific literature on farm animal production and documented greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as various mitigation strategies.

DISCUSSIONS: An analysis of meat, egg, and milk production encompasses not only the direct rearing and slaughtering of animals, but also grain and fertilizer production for animal feed, waste storage …

University Reporter - Volume 12, Number 09 - May 2008

1996-2009, University Reporter

This issue of the University Reporter includes articles on planning for the 2008 Commencement, the ethnic health reporting initiative based in the University's Center on Media and Society, the national “Chinese Bridge” Mandarin Chinese speech contest sponsored by UMass Boston's Confucius Institute, professor Jeffrey Dukes' work on climate change, the Center for Social Development and Education's showcase of its contributions to the field of research on children with disabilities, and other news from UMass Boston.

Climate Change And Student Behavior: Recommendations For The University Of Richmond, Claire Calise, Geoff Cox, Jennifer Fitts, Francisco Hazera, Kim Huson, Sam Pugsley, Blake Ramsby, Mariela Rich, Kellen Seligman, Naoum Tavantzis, Christine Wrublesky

Environmental Studies Senior Seminar Projects

We, the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar Class of 2008, choose to recognize climate change as an imminent threat. After rigorous examination of the scientific, social, and political aspects of climate change, we initially wanted to help construct the carbon emissions inventory required in the PCC. However, citing their ability to build the inventory through existing University institutions, our administration steered us towards the Scope 3 emissions inventory, a component which focuses on student behavior. While we found Scope 3 too limiting, we decided our goal as a class was to impact student climate change awareness on campus. Therefore, we separated …

Ursinus Magazine, Spring 2008, Wendy Greenberg, Daniel Sergeant, Joseph Ferry, Erika Compton, Nancy March, Karen Hollinger

Ursinus Magazine, 1995–Present

Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art calendar • Atlantic writer is commencement speaker; Honorary degree recipients announced • Students spend Spring Break doing community service • Ursinus has Watson winner • Museum campaign gets boost with Gilot art; Anthonisen sculpture • Heather Potts Brown 2002 promoted • Thanks from Coach Small • Focus the Nation: A four-day climate change "think-in" at Ursinus • Letter to the Editor • Travel guides, a group experience: Maya / Mexico travelogue in two parts • Watson diary • Happy 75th anniversary to the Lantern • Q & A with 2008 Lantern Editor Daniel …

Hydrodynamic Numerical Ocean Models Support Environmental Studies And Conservation Efforts: From An Arctic Estuary To A Caribbean Coral Reef, Tal Ezer

CCPO Publications

Potential future climate changes, as highlighted recently by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, are likely to have different local impacts in different regions of the globe. Oceanic ecosystems may be especially sensitive to large environmental variation, and they are closely connected to physical changes such as temperature, salinity, currents and sea level. Two examples, from very different environments – one in a cold climate and one in a tropical climate, will be discussed here to show how hydrodynamic numerical models are helping to understand physical-biological interactions and potentially help dealing with future climate changes.

The Grizzly, February 14, 2008, Matt Flyntz, Lane Taylor, Katie Callahan, Terry Kelley, Juliane Katz, Ryan Tole, Serena Mithboakar, Roger Lee, Kristin O'Brassill, Alex Ernst, Michael Silber, Danielle Langdon, Ashley Drogalis

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Writer's Strike May See a Silver Lining • Ellison Unveils Art Exhibit in Berman • Relief for Students? College Endowments Skyrocket • Ursinus Designs New Certificate for International Studies • Is Everybody Really Doing It? The Indictment of the Greek Community at Ursinus College Surprises Many • Ursinus Community Shares its "Dirty Little Secrets" • Focus the Nation and Environmentalism: "No Longer Just for Hippies" • UC Study Abroad Helpful Hints • Opinions: Lessons from Super Tuesday; Does The Times Need Bill Kristol?; Lessons from the Hormuz Strait • Ursinus Wrestlers Clinch Dual Meet • UC Indoor Track Teams Make …

An Hsus Report: The Impact Of Animal Agriculture On Global Warming And Climate Change, The Humane Society Of The United States

Impact of Animal Agriculture

The farm animal production sector is the single largest anthropogenic user of land, contributing to soil degradation, dwindling water supplies, and air pollution. The breadth of this sector‘s impacts has been largely underappreciated. Meat, egg, and milk production are not narrowly focused on the rearing and slaughtering of farm animals. The animal agriculture sector also encompasses feed grain production which requires substantial water, energy, and chemical inputs, as well as energy expenditures to transport feed, live animals, and animal products. All of this comes at a substantial cost to the environment.

One of animal agriculture‘s greatest environmental impacts is its …

An Hsus Report: The Impact Of Industrialized Animal Agriculture On The Environment, The Humane Society Of The United States

Impact of Animal Agriculture

The continuous confinement of chickens, pigs, turkeys, cattle, and other animals raised in industrialized agricultural systems jeopardizes the animals’ welfare and degrades the environment. Factory farms produce immense quantities of animal waste and byproducts, which threaten water and air quality and contribute to climate change.

An Hsi Report: The Impact Of Animal Agriculture On Global Warming And Climate Change, Humane Society International

HSI REPORTS

The farm animal production sector is the single largest anthropogenic user of land, contributing to soil degradation, dwindling water supplies, and air pollution. The breadth of this sector‘s impacts has been largely underappreciated. Meat, egg, and milk production are not narrowly focused on the rearing and slaughtering of farm animals. The animal agriculture sector also encompasses feed grain production which requires substantial water, energy, and chemical inputs, as well as energy expenditures to transport feed, live animals, and animal products. All of this comes at a substantial cost to the environment.

One of animal agriculture‘s greatest environmental impacts is its …

Sustainable Soils: Reducing, Mitigating, And Adapting To Climate Change With Organic Agriculture, Meredith Niles

Sustainable Development Law & Policy

No abstract provided.

Proxy-Based Reconstructions Of Hemispheric And Global Surface Temperature Variations Over The Past Two Millennia, Michael E. Mann, Scott Rutherford

Arts & Sciences Faculty Publications

Following the suggestions of a recent National Research Council report [NRC (National Research Council) (2006) Surface Temperature Reconstructions for the Last 2,000 Years (Natl Acad Press, Washington, DC).], we reconstruct surface temperature at hemispheric and global scale for much of the last 2,000 years using a greatly expanded set of proxy data for decadal-to-centennial climate changes, recently updated instrumental data, and complementary methods that have been thoroughly tested and validated with model simulation experiments. Our results extend previous conclusions that recent Northern Hemisphere surface temperature increases are likely anomalous in a long-term context. Recent warmth appears anomalous for at least …

Venezuela, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Venezuela is a major oil-producing state and a founding member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Its leaders resist global efforts to accelerate cuts in carbon dioxide emissions, and the country's low-cost oil supply to Latin America and the Caribbean countries may stall regional transition to alternative energy sources. Venezuela has been criticized for encouraging energy inefficiency with oil subsidies, but new state environmental programs promote conservation.

Nicaragua, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Nicaragua is bounded on all sides by water: to the east and west lie oceans, and most of the northern and southern borders are large rivers. Although the country has experienced growth in export processing and tourism, Nicaragua remains reliant on agriculture and fishing. The country experiences seasonal climate shifts, with pronounced wet and dry seasons. There is a tendency for flooding in the east and drought in the west. Knowledge about climate change mitigation is poorly developed within the country, in spite of vulnerability to natural disasters due to poverty, low investment in infrastructure, and poor interagency coordination. International …

Vermont, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont underwent widespread reforestation following farm abandonment in the mid-1800s. In addition to the existence of several land trusts, the Green Mountain Club has protected more than 55 mi. (88 km.) along a hikers' Long Trail. There is a strong state environmental movement, with local groups and chapters of national organizations. Vermont hosts one of the nation's leading environmental law and policy programs at the Vermont Law School. The state government has invested in energy efficiency and joined regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Climate change and global warming concern Vermonters because …

The Evangelical Debate Over Climate Change, John Copeland Nagle

Journal Articles

In 2006, a group of prominent evangelicals issued a statement calling for a greater response to climate change. Soon thereafter, another group of prominent evangelicals responded with their own statement urging caution before taking any action against climate change. This division among evangelicals concerning climate change may be surprising for a community that is usually portrayed as homogenous and as indifferent or hostile toward environmental regulation. Yet there is an ongoing debate among evangelicals regarding the severity of climate change, its causes, and the appropriate response. Why? The answer to this question is important because of the increasing prominence of …

The Grizzly, November 29, 2007, Matt Flyntz, Lane Taylor, Kristen Gallagher, Ashley Mccomeskey, Ashley Higgins, Roger Lee, Jeremiah Long, Zakary Arnhold, Kristin O'Brassill, Christopher Schaeffer, Michael Thomas, Serena Mithboakar, Alex Ernst, Jason Davis, Katie Callahan, Chris Carey

Ursinus College Grizzly Newspaper, 1978 to Present

Goodbye Scripted TV: Writer's Guild Takes a Stand • Shooting for the Cure: Teams Raise Money for Coalition • Dr. von Schlegell Discusses Islamic Thought, Movements • Jazzman's Cafe Gets Into the Holiday Spirit at Ursinus • A New STAR on Campus • Moritomo: Konichiwa, Hai Hai! • Focus the Nation: Cornucopia of Action and Awareness • Book Review: A Natural History of the Senses • Opinions: Giving Thanks This Holiday; UN Considers Ban on Human Cloning • Field Hockey Frenzy • Men's Basketball Preview • Bears Take the Path Less Traveled

Zoning, Transportation, And Climate Change, John R. Nolon

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

On February 2, 2006, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expressed the consensus of the scientific community that global warming is unequivocal and that its main driver is human activity. On April 7, 2007, the IPCC issued a second report detailing the likely consequences of climate change: widening droughts, more severe storm events, increased inland flooding, sea level rise, and consequent inundation of low lying lands. The Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University estimates that sea levels around New York City’s boroughs will increase by five inches by 2030, with some estimates predicting up to 12 inches …

Sheep Updates 2007 - Part 1, Richard Gunner, Anthony Clarke, Kevin Bell, Hugh Dove, H. M. Burrow, Kevin Goss

Sheep Updates

This session covers six papers from different authors:

PLENARY

1. Life beyond the farmgate - the meat perspective, Richard Gunner – Principal:- Richard Gunner’s Fine Meats

2. Do you need to worry about climate change?, Anthony Clark, Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Australian National University and Bureau of Rural Sciences.

3. Ruminant nutrition panel session - The impact of nutrition on animal health and welfare, Kevin Bell, School of Veterinary and Biomedical Studies, Murdoch University

4. Ruminant nutrition panel session - Pasture/animal interactions, Hugh Dove, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO Plant Industry

5. Precision Cattle Breeding for …

How Much Might Climate Change Add To Future Costs For Public Infrastructure?, Scott Goldsmith, Peter Larsen, Orson Smith, Meghan Wilson, Ken Strzepek, Paul Chinowsky, Ben Saylor, Linda Leask, Clemencia Merill

ISER Reports

Scientists expect Alaska’s climate to get warmer in the coming years— and the changing climate could make it roughly 10% to 20% more expensive to build and maintain public infrastructure in Alaska between now and 2030 and 10% more expensive between now and 2080. These are the first estimates of how much climate change might add to future costs for public infrastructure in Alaska, and they are preliminary.

Greening The Campus: Contemporary Student Environmental Activism, Ashley Dawson

Publications and Research

In November 1992, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) issued a report entitled "World Scientists' Warning to Humanity." Written by UCS Chair Henry Kendall and signed by 1,700 of the worlds leading scientists, including the majority of Nobel laureates in the sciences, the report's admonition was conveyed in the strongest terms.

From Isotopes To Tk Interviews: Towards Interdisciplinary Research In Fort Resolution And The Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories, Brent B. Wolfe, Derek Armitage, Bronwyn E. Brock, Michael A. Sokal, Kenneth P. Clogg-Wright, Cherie L. Mongeon, Margaret E. Adam, Roland I. Hall, Thomas W.D. Edwards

Geography and Environmental Studies Faculty Publications

Evolving research in Fort Resolution and the Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories, aims to improve understanding of how the natural ecosystem functions and responds to various environmental stressors, as well as to enhance the stewardship of natural resources and the capacity of local residents to respond to change. We seek to integrate approaches that span the natural and social sciences and traditional knowledge understandings of change, employing a research design developed in response to the concerns of a northern community. In doing so, we have strived for a research process that is collaborative, interdisciplinary, policy-oriented, and reflective of northern priorities. …

Climate Change, Zoning And Transportation Planning: Urbanization As A Response To Carbon Loading, John R. Nolon, Jessica A. Bacher

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

This article explores the relationship among zoning, transportation planning, and climate change. It discusses the relationship between land use densities and transportation choices, reviews the trend toward transit oriented development in higher density communities and transportation efficient development in lower density areas, presents several case studies where land use and transportation planning are beginning to intersect, and ends with a strategic approach for communities to consider.

Preparing For The Day After Tomorrow: Frameworks For Climate Change Adaptation, Ira R. Feldman, Joshua H. Kahan

Sustainable Development Law & Policy

No abstract provided.

Predicting Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea Maculosa) Range Expansion Near Missoula Montana Using Localized Climate And Elevation Data, William Frank Preston Cumming

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Since the 1920s spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) has adapted to a variety of habitats, including pastureland, rangeland, hay land, open forests, road sides, and ditches. In 2003 this plant species dominated more than five million acres in Montana, half of the total infestation of noxious weeds in the state. This project demonstrates the utility of using downscaled Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) data for predicting vegetation movement within a 2°×2° geographical area surrounding Missoula County, Montana. This localized climate change data was correlated against current knapweed range using validation data from the Volunteer for Wilderness Program at the …

The Role Of Global Land Use In Determining Greenhouse Gases Mitigation Costs, Thomas Hertel, Huey-Lin Lee, Steven Rose, Brent Sohngen

GTAP Working Papers Archive

This paper develops a CGE model with unique regional land types and detailed non-CO2 GHG emissions which it uses to analyze the potential for reductions in land-based greenhouse gas emissions as well as forest sequestration. In our global, general equilibrium analysis of carbon taxation, we find that forest carbon sequestration is the dominant means for global GHG emissions reduction in the land using sectors. However, when compared to the rest of the world, emissions abatement in the US comes disproportionately from agriculture, and, within agriculture, disproportionately from reductions in fertilizer-related emissions (primarily in maize production). In the world as a …

Agenda: Climate Change And The Future Of The American West: Exploring The Legal And Policy Dimensions, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Climate Change and the Future of the American West: Exploring the Legal and Policy Dimensions (Summer Conference, June 7-9)

Sponsors: The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; BP America; Holland & Hart; Patrick, Miller & Krope, P.C.; The Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, Rocky Mountain Natural Resource Center of the National Wildlife Federation, Western Water Assessment.

Exploring the legal and political dimensions that climate change will bring to the American West will be the focus of the CU-Boulder Natural Resources Law Center's 27th Annual Summer Conference.

Titled "Climate Change and the Future of the American West: Exploring the Legal and Policy Dimensions," the conference will be held June 7-9 at the Fleming Law Building on the University of Colorado at …

The Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism: Prospects For Japan-Philippines Partnership, Rosalina Palanca-Tan

Economics Department Faculty Publications

The Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a system by which a developed country can earn carbon emission reduction (ER) credits through an emission-mitigating project undertaken in a developing country. While allowing developed countries to meet their Kyoto Protocol commitments at less cost, CDM benefits the host developing countries with new capital investments and the transfer of clean technologies. In view of the potential supply of ERs on the Philippine side and a pressing demand on Japan's side, this article explores the relatively low level of CDM cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, and suggests ways of moving forward.

The Effects Of The Kyoto Protocol On Taiwan, Yi-Yuan William Su

Sustainable Development Law & Policy

No abstract provided.

Uncertainty, Climate Change And Nuclear Power, David M. Hassenzahl

Public Policy and Leadership Faculty Research

Long time-horizon environmental risks with potential for global impacts have increased in visibility over the past several decades. Such issues as climate change, the nuclear fuel cycle, persistent synthetic chemicals, and stratospheric ozone depletion share some characteristics, including intergenerational impacts, strongly decoupled incidence of risks and benefits, substantial decision stakes and extreme uncertainty. What is not well understood are the similarities and differences among sources and implications of uncertainty among these global environmental threats, especially those associate with current and future human behavior. This describes the uncertainties associated with managing two global concerns: the nuclear (fission) fuel cycle and anthropogenic …