Environmental Education Commons^™

Coastal Towns Adapt To Realities Of Climate Change, Christine Woodside

Wrack Lines

The effects of climate change on the rate of sea level rise have hit the streets of every coastal town in Connecticut. The future will bring more waters creeping inland not only on the coast of New England, but around the world.

Rose: Roadmaps Towards Sustainable Energy Futures And Climate Protection: A Synthesis Of Results From The Rose Project, Elmar Kriegler, Ioanna Mouratiadou, Gunnar Luderer, Nico Bauer, Katherine Calvin, Enrica Decian, Robert J. Brecha, Wenying Chen, Aleh Cherp, Jae Edmonds, Kejun Jiang, Shonali Pachauri, Fabio Sferra, Massimo Tavoni, Ottmar Edenhofer

Physics Faculty Publications

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Exploring energy demand and supply uncertainty: An exploration of uncertainty on drivers of energy demand and supply is indispensable for better understanding the prospects of long-tern climate stabilization. The RoSE study is the first of its kind to systematically explore the impact of economic growth, population and fossil fuel scarcity, in scenarios with and without climate policy, using a model ensemble. A feature of RoSE is the participation of five established integrated assessment modelling teams from three important regions in international climate policy negotiations: the EU, the USA and China.

Economic growth: Neither slow nor rapid economic growth …

Renewable Energy And Human Rights Violations: Illustrative Cases From Indigenous Territories In Panama, Mary Finley-Brook, Curtis Thomas

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Local implementation of international climate policies is frequently obscure. The objective of our research is to unpack the "black box" of carbon offsetting as it is being conducted in Latin American indigenous territories. Our two case studies of renewable energy projects under construction in Naso and Ngobe villages in western Panama show that carbon offsets in oppressive societies have the potential to cause social harm. Our cases illustrate processes of green authoritarianism, spatial control, and social restructuring. The private developers constructing the Chan 75 and Bonyic dams did not follow international standards for free, prior, and informed consent, and state …

Plant Community Composition And Structure Monitoring For Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 2012 Annual Report, Isabel W. Ashton, Stephen K. Wilson, Daniel J. Swanson, Michael Prowatzke, Phil Graeve

United States National Park Service: Publications

Executive Summary

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument (AGFO) plays a vital role in protecting and managing some of the last remnants of native mixed-grass prairie in the region. The Northern Great Plains Inventory & Monitoring Network (NGPN) and Fire Ecology Program (FireEP) surveyed 12 long-term monitoring plots in Agate Fossil Beds National Monument in 2012 as part of an effort to better understand the condition of plant communities in the park. We measured plant diversity and cover, looked for the presence of exotic species that may be newly invading the park, and evaluated the amount of human and natural disturbance …

Geoscience And Geoscience Education In A Sustainable World, Tim Lutz

Earth & Space Sciences Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

University Of North Florida Climate Action Plan, University Of North Florida Environmental Center

Campus Sustainability

The UNF Climate Action Plan, which was developed by the UNF Sustainability Committee, outlines how UNF will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral by the year 2050. The plan defines UNF institutional capacities and current initiatives for which ongoing support is necessary for success. Additionally, the CAP outlines actions essential for building UNF's capacity to effectively prepare for, implement and track mitigation projects. The plans include improving data collection systems, cultivation of student, faculty and staff support, and securing financial resources. These efforts will be completed in three phases and includes infrastructural improvements, operational changes and a …

Sawmill Slough Preserve At The University Of North Florida, James Taylor

Professional Presentations

Taylor, J.W., J. Lemmons and C. Hubbuch. 2013. Sawmill Slough Preserve, University of North Florida. Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Annual Conference. Nashville, TN. (Powerpoint)

Plant Community Composition And Structure Monitoring For Scotts Bluff National Monument, 2012 Annual Report, Isabel W. Ashton, Michael Prowatzke, Stephen K. Wilson

United States National Park Service: Publications

Executive Summary

the last remnants of native mixed-grass prairie in the region. The Northern Great Plains Inventory & Monitoring Network (NGPN) surveyed 8 long-term monitoring plots in Scotts Bluff National Monument in 2012 as part of an effort to better understand the condition of plant communities in the park. We measured plant diversity and cover, estimated tree and shrub density, looked for the presence of exotic species that are of concern to park management, and evaluated the amount of human and natural disturbance at all plots. This effort was the second year in a multiple-year venture to document the current …

Event-Driven Environmental News In The U.S. And Canada, Stuart Soroka, Stephen J. Farnsworth, Lori Young, Andrea Lawlor

Political Science & International Affairs Articles

This paper presents results from a content analytic study of U.S. and Canadian evening news programs on energy and environmental topics from 1999 to 2009. The analysis reveals the importance of coverage of weather and natural disasters in both countries — importance not just in terms of the volume of coverage, but in the role that coverage plays in driving discussion of broader, more thematic coverage of pollution and climate change. Indeed, causality tests reveal that coverage of climate change, pollution and related issues are strongly affected by — or, rather, dependent on — coverage of disasters and other weather …

Tornado Warnings In Three Southern States: A Qualitative Analysis Of Public Response Patterns, William Donner, Havidan Rodriguez, Walter Diaz

Sociology Faculty Publications

Recent research in three Southern states supplied data describing the role community structure and culture played in shaping public response to tornado risks. The following study identifies and describes how residents received, made sense of, and ultimately used information to make decisions about responding to warnings. In addition to a range of theoretical concerns, research was also intended to develop a set of safety policies derived from what the data reveals about the social psychology of risk perception, economic constraints to shelter, and the cultural aspects of response.Data analysis reveals a diverse set of social factors governing community response to …

Energizing Liberal Education, Mary Finley-Brook, Megan Zanella-Litke, Kyle Ragan, Breana Coleman

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

The article examines how liberal arts colleges in the U.S. offer opportunities for developing and expanding the use of renewable energy and for promoting educational initiatives associated with community projects. Swarthmore College bought Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from Direct Energy Renewable Choice. A team from Middlebury College designed a solar-powered farmhouse.

The Relationship Between Middle Level School Science Programs And A Residential Environmental Learning Center, Ryan Mathew Walker

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A multiple case study investigation examines the relationship between a residential environmental learning center and six schools that attend their program. Pre-experience interviews were conducted with teachers to gain understanding of how they integrate the residential experience with formal classroom instruction. On-site observations of teacher participation during the program provided insight into how they foster student learning during the experience. A student questionnaire was used to reveal students' perceptions of three areas of interest: 1) most meaningful aspects of the experience, 2) most confusing aspects of the experience and 3) topics they would like to know more about. These data …

A Survey Of Seafood Traceability And Sustainability In The United States— Processes, Regulations, And Current Initiatives, Nancy A. Olsen

Working Papers

The global seafood industry currently lacks a standardized, widespread method to easily trace the chain of custody of products that they purchase. With global overfishing leading to declining fish stocks around the world, it is vital for seafood providers to have the ability to identify and buy products from sustainable fisheries that are well managed, target abundant species, and fish in environmentally responsible ways. This paper analyzes public and private initiatives that seek to provide product traceability. In summarizing the current status of seafood traceability, stakeholders agree that are a number of challenges with trying to piece together so many …

Research, Monitoring, Assessment And Development Plan 2011 – 2012, Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries Occasional Publications

No abstract provided.

Scotts Bluff National Monument, Plant Community Resource Brief, Isabel Ashton, Mike Prowatzke

United States National Park Service: Publications

2011 Monitoring Status

Overview

In 2011, the first year of vegetation monitoring by the Northern Great Plains Network Inventory and Monitoring staff at Scotts Bluff National Monument, efforts resulted in the documentation of 79 plant species. This was the lowest number of species among parks sampled in 2011. Graminoid (grass and grass-like plant) species accounted for only 21 (27%) of the total species, but graminoid cover was much higher than that of any other plant type. Forbs were much more diverse, but did not provide as much foliar cover.

The 5 most abundant native non-graminoids were winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata …

Plant Community Composition And Structure Monitoring Protocol For The Northern Great Plains I&M Network - Standard Operating Procedures, Version 1.01, Amy J. Symstad, Robert A. Gitzen, Cody L. Wienk, Michael R. Bynum, Daniel J. Swanson, Andy D. Thorstenson, Kara J. Paintner-Green

United States National Park Service: Publications

Introduction

The Northern Great Plains Inventory and Monitoring Network (NGPN) includes thirteen park units located in five northern Great Plains states across six ecoregions. Plant community composition and structure monitoring comprises the core of the vegetation monitoring effort for the NGPN, covering the “Riparian Lowland Plant Communities” and “Upland Plant Communities” vital signs (Gitzen et al. 2010). The narrative portion of the plant community protocol can be found in Symstad et al. 2012. The narrative includes the rationale for vegetation monitoring, an overview of sample design, field methods, data management, and program requirements. This document contains the standard operating procedures …

Anniversary Reflections, Anderson Young

Research in Outdoor Education

No abstract provided.

Editors' Introduction And Acknowledgements, Alan Ewert

Research in Outdoor Education

The article offers information related to papers that were published in the publication "Research in Outdoor Education" Volume 11, as well as acknowledging the efforts of all who contributed to the publication.

Front Matter, Coalition For Education In The Outdoors (Ceo)

Research in Outdoor Education

The Coalition for Education in the Outdoors is a non-profit network of outdoor and environmental education centers, nature centers, conservation and recreation organizations, outdoor education and experiential education associations, institutions of higher learning, public and private schools, fish and wildlife agencies, and businesses that share a mission the support and furtherance of outdoor education and its goals.

This article includes the Research Committee, Editors and Associate Editors for Volume 11 as well as the Table of Contents.

Understanding The Contribution Of Wilderness-Based Educational Experiences To The Creation Of An Environmental Ethic In Youth, Trever Waage, Karen Paisley, John Gookin

Research in Outdoor Education

The purpose of this exploratory study was to deepen our understanding of the ways in which a wilderness-based educational experience may serve as a significant life experience and how that experience may impact the development of an environmental ethic in youth. Students on 30-day courses from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) were asked to respond to the question, “Did your NOLS experience make an impact on your environmental ethics? If so, how?” The responses of 771 students indicated that a 30-day NOLS course did, in fact, positively influence both cognitive and emotional aspects of participants' environmental ethics and shared …

A Qualitative Exploration Of Sense Of Community Through Reflective Journals During Wilderness Outdoor Education Curricula, Garrett Hutson, Lynn Anderson, Mary Breunig, Tim O'Connell, Sharon Todd, Anderson Young

Research in Outdoor Education

There has been repeated encouragement in the literature for researchers to examine the various mechanisms that make up group experiences in outdoor education contexts. As a result, positive sense of community is often one of the implicit or explicit goals of programs and organizations that utilize outdoor settings to deliver educational and/or therapeutic programs. The purpose of this study was to understand how participants understand and experience sense of community formation during participation on outdoor education curricula (OEC) programs. Qualitative data, in the form of 124 participant trip journals, were analyzed and revealed two core themes illuminating sense of community …

The Role And Importance Of Program Quality In Outdoor Adventure Programs For Youth: Examining Program Quality Indicators As Predictors Of Outcome Achievement Among Nols Participants, Rachel Collins, Jim Sibthorp, John Gookin, Scott Schumann

Research in Outdoor Education

Youth outdoor and adventure programs are increasingly being expected to provide evidence that their programs are effective in achieving outcomes. While this is an important goal, participant outcomes are difficult to program for as they are influenced by many variables including the active role of the participant, the leader, the social and physical environments, and a myriad of contextual variables. However, program quality manifests at the point of service, and thus remains malleable by the program. Results of this study highlight the importance of program quality indicators on participant development and more specifically, which elements of program quality are most …

The Development And Validation Of The Leave No Trace Peak Assessment Scale (Pas), Jennifer Miller, Amy Shellman, Eddie Hill, Ron Ramsing, Ben Lawhon

Research in Outdoor Education

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics developed the Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids (PEAK) program to teach children the seven Leave No Trace principles. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable measurement tool for Leave No Trace to assess the effectiveness of the PEAK program. Quantitative analyses of the data were used to determine the psychometric properties of the PEAK Assessment Scale (PAS) and children's knowledge of the Leave No Trace principles before and after participation in the PEAK program. Results supported the use of the PAS as a sound measurement tool for …

Enhancing Social Support Through Adventure Education: The Case Of Fathers And Sons, Curt Davidson, Alan Ewert

Research in Outdoor Education

Adventure education (AE) research often utilizes social support as an outcome variable associated with participation in extended outdoor adventure trips. Social support is defined as “the degree to which individuals have access to social resources, in the form of relationships, on which they can rely” (Johnson & Sarason, 1979). Using an adventure-based program offering a treatment specifically designed for father and son participants, significant changes in pre-post comparison scores on the variables of trust, communication, and social support were reported for both fathers and sons. Qualitative analysis revealed four major themes: communication enhancement, instructor influence, course components, and shared time. …

Ua12/13 2012 Sustainability Report [Western Kentucky University], Christian Ryan-Downing, Wku Office Of Sustainability

Sustainability Publications and Resources

The Office of Sustainability has occupied the house at 503 Regents for approximately four months. The space is used to house the Big Red Bikes mechanic shop and program, and other programs and activities. Eight students work in the Office of Sustainability in various roles including bike mechanic, student assistant, four PowerSave Interns, a student “handy-man” who works on various physical improvements, and a student that is completing his Honors Thesis on the project.

Much of the past four months have been spent setting up the bike shop, painting, installation of walkway and way finding sign, and otherwise improving the …

Personality Type Differences Between Ph.D. Climate Researchers And The General Public: Implications For Effective Communication, C. Susan Weiler, Jason K. Keller, Christina Olex

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Effectively communicating the complexity of climate change to the public is an important goal for the climate change research community, particularly for those of us who receive public funds. The challenge of communicating the science of climate change will be reduced if climate change researchers consider the links between personality types, communication tendencies and learning preferences. Jungian personality type is one of many factors related to an individual’s preferred style of taking in and processing information, i.e., preferred communication style. In this paper, we demonstrate that the Jungian personality type profile of interdisciplinary, early career climate researchers is significantly different …

Green Transportation For A Green Earth, Petros J. Katsioloudis, Mildred V. Jones

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to the destruction of the environment. Results from environmental research and pursuant governmental regulations are changing the way companies do business and how transportation systems address the future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been at the forefront in leading environmental research and instituting policies and regulations to fight the issues impacting the environment. The transportation industry and consumers alike are concerned about the environment, energy resources, efficiencies, and economics. In this article, the authors suggest that it is vital that people promote the protection of the environment and strengthen the laws that …

Environmental Literacy Of Seventh-Day Adventist Teachers In The Parochial Schools Of The Florida Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists, Michael Murdoch

Dissertations

Problem. In the United States, there is an environmental literacy problem. Americans possess limited knowledge about the environment and environmental issues, and they display limited positive action regarding the environment in which they live. Moreover, there is a debate whether a Christian’s interpretation of Gen 1:28 leads either to a lower or to a higher environmental literacy. Does the Seventh-day Adventist teaching community reflect these problems? These are the problems which this dissertation seeks to help solve.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to attempt to assess the environmental literacy of a group of teachers in Seventh-day …

Missouri National Recreational River, Natural Resource Condition Assessment, Kevin J. Stark, Lucas J. Danzinger, Michael R. Komp, Andy J. Nadeau, Shannon Amberg, Eric J. Iverson, David Kadlec, Barry Drazkowski

United States National Park Service: Publications

Executive Summary

As a unit in the National Park Service (NPS), Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) is responsible for the management and conservation of natural resources within its boundaries. This mandate is supported by the National Park Service Organic Act of 1916, which directs the NPS to:

conserve the scenery and natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

In 2003, NPS Water Resources Division received funding through the Natural Resource Challenge …

Scotts Bluff National Monument Plant Community Composition And Structure Monitoring, 2011 Annual Report, Isabel W. Ashton, Michael Prowatzke, Michael R. Bynum, Tim Shepherd, Stephen K. Wilson, Kara Paintner-Green

United States National Park Service: Publications

Executive Summary

The Northern Great Plains Inventory & Monitoring Network (NGPN) was established to develop and provide scientifically credible information on the current status and long-term trends of the composition, structure, and function of ecosystems in thirteen parks located in five northern Great Plains states. NGPN identified upland plant communities, exotic plant early detection, and riparian lowland communities as vital signs that can be used to better understand the condition of terrestrial park ecosystems (Gitzen et al. 2010). Upland and riparian ecosystems are important targets for vegetation monitoring because the status and trends in plant communities provide critical insights into …