Natural Hazards Observer

The January issue of the Natural Hazards Observer is online.  Interesting article on the fracking controversy in New York state.

GEF Idea Labs

In case you missed the January GEF Idea Labs, don't worry! There are still chances to go in February and March. As you know, Western Libraries is a HUGE fan of the Green Energy Fee Grant Program. If you want to learn more about this program, or if you have an idea for a sustainable project on campus, check out one of the idea labs for information and inspiration! During these labs you can also learn more about the application process and you will have a chance to ask questions. All sessions are held in the Viking Union (VU) room 460. Upcoming sessions dates / times  are listed below:

February 2nd 4-5pm
February 9th 4-5pm
February 20th 3-4pm
February 23rd 1-2pm
March 2nd 4-5pm

Sustainable Transportation Newsletter

The winter issue of the sustainable Transportation Newsletter is up and running.  And who is up for a little winter biking on February 13?

It's almost time for the SOC Awards!

Congrats to the Map Collection! You are an inspiration to the rest of Western Libraries!

Extreme Life of the Sea

You think you're having a hard day?  Imagine living next to a boiling hypothermic vent deep under the ocean.  Or having to use a built-in search light on your head to hunt for dinner.

My wife who works at Village Books pointed this out to me.  Stephen and Anthony Palumbi will be speaking at the store this Sunday at 4 PM.  Stephen is a professor of marine science and his son Anthony is a science writer.

Their book Extreme Life of the Sea describes the creatures that live in the most extreme conditions in the ocean.  It includes information on how human beings and climate change are effecting the lifes of these rugged extremists.

Western Window TV Show Features Sustainability

 Check out the most recent edition of the Western Window which takes a look at Sustainability at Western & includes a segment about the Green Energy Fee Grant Program & Western Libraries!

Good Gatekeepers

When you hear the word "Gatekeeper" is your reaction positive or negative?  I admit I think of it as negative: an obstacle, somebody blocking the path, or limiting information.  Apparently the first use of it as a metaphor came in an essay about food choices, back in the forties.

The reason I bring it up is that the International Institute for Environment and Development has produced a series of books they call, you guessed it, Gatekeepers.  They are all online and can be found in our OneSearch catalog.

The series aims to highlight key topics in the field of sustainable natural resource management.  Each paper reviews a selected issue of contemporary importance and draws preliminary  conclusions for development that are particularly relevant for policymakers, researchers and planners. 

Here are some titles in the series: 

Biodiversity Planning: Why and how should local opinions matter?

Global Restructuring, Agri-Food Systems and Livelihoods

Towards Food Sovereignty

Tried and tested: learning from farmers on adaptation to climate change

Working Together: Forest-linked small and medium enterprise associations and collective action