Tag: environment (Page 2 of 2)

The Candidates and the Climate

While no candidate is perfect on climate change (and indeed, they all seem to be woefully inadequate), there are some differences:
 
PRESIDENT
Mitt Romney: despite his surprisingly good record on climate change while he was governor, Romney’s energy plan focuses almost entirely on pumping more fossil fuels into the atmosphere, a situation that would almost certainly ensure the world’s inability to reign in climate change (Rolling Stone has a pretty fierce write up of it, but you can read it yourself and see). Just one example: in his quotes about N. American energy independence, he uses a Manhattan Institute report that says, “In collaboration with Canada and Mexico, the United States could—and should—forge a broad pro-development, pro-export policy to realize the benefits of our hydrocarbon resources. Such a policy could lead to North America becoming the largest supplier of fuel to the world by 2030.” (what no-one seems to have told him, however, is that oil and gas companies that drill in N. America aren’t restricted to selling that fuel only to Canada, Mexico and the US – they’ll sell it to whomever gives the best price – as any good, non-government-run institution would do).
 
But anyhow, Obama’s no great climate champion these days either but at least he doesn’t blatantly ignore climate change or pledge to dig up and sell all the fossil fuels in North America. As an aside, Romney attacks Obama for ‘targeting old coal power plants’ – when, really, we wish he were targeting them, since those plants are some of the worst carbon emissions offenders.
 
Here is a summary of what the 2 candidates have said about energy and climate on the campaign trail.
 
US SENATE
Elizabeth Warren seems to support action on climate change – at least in words – but I doubt it’ll be a priority for her. Scott Brown, however, in June 2012 voted to ‘disapprove’ the EPAs endangerment findings on greenhouse gases and in March 2012 voted against ending tax deductions for major oil companies and extending incentives for energy efficient homes, plug-in vehicles and alternative fuels. They are considered one of 4 senate races with noticably different opinions on climate.
 
US HOUSE 
Jon Golnik doesn’t list ‘environment’ as an issue on his website, but under ‘energy’ he indicates he supports the Keystone XL pipeline, fracking and drilling in ANWR. OK, I guess that says it all. Climate doesn’t seem to be a priority for Niki Tsongas, but she states that she help[ed] to pass tougher fuel efficiency standards and incentives for renewable energy, so there’s hope there.
 
Don’t forget to vote!

Food, Farm, and Sustainability Institute Summer Program (Hampshire College)

I am thrilled to announce the inaugural Food, Farm, and Sustainability Institute at Hampshire College, a six week summer academic program designed for undergraduate students interested in sustainable agriculture and food studies. Please forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested in applying!

Overview: From June 4 to July 13, 2012, students, faculty, staff, and alumni will come together as a living and learning community at Hampshire College. Students will gain hands-on work experience with the guidance of the Hampshire College Farm Center staff, learn through inquiry-based projects mentored by faculty with a range of expertise, and acquire ownership of knowledge through independent research projects. The institute will follow food from its origin in the soil, through plant cultivation and animal management, address issues in public health and politics, and end up in the kitchen, breaking bread and assessing the character of the food we produce and eat. There will be numerous opportunities for community building through roundtable dinner discussions with local farmers and food producers, a weekly film series, and field trips to local farms emphasizing environmental and community sustainability.

Tuition for the six week program is $3,400, including communal lunch costs (students are responsible for breakfast and dinners as well as all weekend meals). Lodging is an additional $800 for students who wish to reside on campus. 
Hampshire recommends 8 academic credits for completion of the 6-week program. Students are encouraged to check with their home institutions for credit equivalent.

Online Application Deadline: March 1, 2012

For more detailed information about the Food, Farm, and Sustainability Institute, please visit the website: summer.hampshire.edu.
If you have any questions, please contact ffs@hampshire.edu.

Contest: Undergrad Environmental Photography – $300 in prizes

The Tufts Environmental Studies Program is holding its first annual Environmental Photo Contest. It’s open to all Tufts undergrads and will include prizes for first place ($150), second place ($100), and third place ($50). CASH MONEY.

Students can submit multiple photos. All photography styles are welcome. Full rules and details are available on Facebook.

Submissions are due to the Environmental Studies Program, 210 Packard Avenue, Miller Hall-East Rear Door, Medford Campus, by Monday, Oct. 24.

Submitted prints will be exhibited in the Tufts Institute of the Environment and may be used by the Environmental Studies and TIE in their publications, websites, or for other Tufts-related purposes. Prints will also be showcased in a digital exhibition on the Environmental Studies website.

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