Category: Sustainability Education Forum

SEF News-Views Digest No. 114 (12-16-15)

I assume that most readers are not deniers of such controversial realities as climate change, evolution, and the effects of humans on environmental degradation. I also assume that most readers are committed at some level to advancing “sustainability (green) causes”.

Within the sustainability movement there are groups focused on specific interests, such as renewable energy sources, wildlife preservation, land use, oceans and waterways protection, climate change mitigation, and so on. Readers of this newsletter represent a wide range of interests, including the areas mentioned.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 113 (12-9-15)

What a significant week this has proven to be, with the COP21 proceedings making some historical progress in addressing climate-change issues. The keynote address, delivered by HRH The Prince of Wales, eloquently summarized the major climate-related issues needing international attention, including adopting systematic plans undertaking effective measures as soon as possible. In place of my normal commentary—and rather than summarizing his inspiring talk—I urge you to read the transcript and/or view the video presentation: A Speech By HRH The Prince Of Wales At The COP21 Session, Paris.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 112 (12-2-15)

Are you, or anyone you know, experiencing the effects of weather extremes? It appears that the news is increasingly about extreme weather conditions—locally, regionally, nationally and all over the world.

Many people don’t fully understand the long-term effects of mounting CO² accumulations in the atmosphere. Because day-to-day living is challenging enough, most people give little thought in planning for an unimagined future, especially the projected effects of climate change. Bettye and I, along with others of the combined Silent-Boomer generation, will likely experience minimal hardships during our remaining lifetimes. But, according to most scientific projections, anyone living in the second half of this century will likely face some increasingly turbulent times. (Sorry about that! We really meant well, having enjoyed inordinate consumerism and modern lifestyles.)

SEF News-Views Digest No. 111 (11-25-15)

Like most Americans, Bettye and I greatly enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving, our favorite holiday. We welcome an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our good fortune, especially when sharing a festive meal and stimulating conversation with close family members.

I imagine that readers of this newsletter are very thankful for enjoying a level of freedom, opportunity, and physical prosperity that, sadly, is not available to a majority of world citizens. Of course, our high level of physical comfort has come at a high cost, which we rather innocently transfer to future citizens.

SEF News-Views Digest No. 110 (11-18-15)

Special Event: Sustainability Fair 2015 (4^th), Thurs., Nov. 19^th, 5:30-8:00 pm, Silverwood Park, 2500 County Road E W · St. Anthony, MN. Co-sponsored by the Cities of St. Anthony Village, Lauderdale, and Falcon Heights, in collaboration with the U of MN Institute on the Environment (26 sustainability class students and exhibits), Three Rivers Park District, and Citizens for Sustainability. Info: http://tinyurl.com/sustfair. Free!

Most citizens are deeply concerned about learning how to create more resilient, sustainable communities. Since you’re on this mailing list, there’s a good chance you consider yourself a sustainability activist—or at least a semi-activist. Although most people are too busy to volunteer much time in advancing solution-oriented projects, almost everyone can make time available, at least occasionally.

The Sustainability Fair (advertised above) provides an excellent participatory venue for citizens living within commuting distance of Silverwood Park. One good reason for attending is to show support for the creative, scholastic efforts of 26 U of MN sustainability students, all of whom will be presenting their special projects, visually and orally. In addition, more than two-dozen local exhibitors of non-profit organizations will be on hand to explain what they do, and how they can be of help to individuals and groups interested in exploring specific sustainability issues.