CelebrAsian’09 Agenda BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Conference

From May 20 - 22, the US Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual conference. If you contact Lin Li 202.378.1135 Lin@uspaacc.com or Pahuna Sharma 202.378.1133 Pahuna@uspaacc.com, they can give you a student discount (50$ instead of 200$). For our class in particular, you guys may be interested in May 21 panels. Namely,

Follow the Money: Expand through the Stimulus Plan (from 8:30 am – 9:30am)

Access to Capital : Where is the Money? (from 9:45 am - 10:45 am)

Go Green: Contract Opportunities for Green Suppliers, where the opportunities are, and how to add value to customers by going Green (from 11:00 am – 12:15 pm)

Visit http://www.uspaacc.com/celebrasian09/agenda-09.asp for more information.

This Week in ESP...

Monday, March 9
Columbia Water Center and Scientists and Engineers for a Better Society: Will India Run Out of Water?
6:30-7:30 p.m. Lerner Room 569
Speakers: Upmanu Lall, Director, Columbia Water Center; Alan and Carol Silberstein Professor of Engineering, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University;
Tobias Siegfried, Associate Research Scientist, Columbia Water Center, The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Contact: Columbia Water Center, watercenter@columbia.edu


Tuesday, March 10
GreenDrinks NYC
6:00-10:00 p.m. 230 Fifth Ave
Come network with other people who share an interest in environmental issues. Enjoy palm trees, fountains and spectacular views of New York at 230 Fifth's rooftop garden and penthouse lounge. Participate in super speed networking at 6:30pm; Hear from speakers about current environmental projects and events at 7:45pm, followed by a raffle drawing for (1) comp ticket to the Wall Street Green Trading Summit (WSGTS). Complimentary finger sandwiches and cupcakes from Bridgewater To Go natural catering. Cash bar with drink specials. $10 in advance here; $20 at the door.

ESP Dodgeball Playoff
9:45 p.m. Dodge Physical Fitness Center

Wednesday, March 11
No career speaker this week.


Thursday, March 12
Earth Institute Earth Clinic Showcase
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Lerner Hall Room 555
Speakers: Peter Schlosser, Director, Earth Clinic, The Earth Institute at Columbia University;Malgosia Madajewicz, Associate Research Scientist, International Research Institute for Climate and Society, The Earth Institute at Columbia University; Joseph Graziano, Associate Dean and Professor, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health; Lex van Geen, Associate Director, Earth Clinic; Doherty Senior Research Scientist, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory; Darby Jack, Associate Research Scientist, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health; John C. Mutter, Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University;Marty Odlin, Assistant Director, Education Center for Sustainable Engineering, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University; Nikki Spicer, Education Coordinator, Tropical Agriculture and Rural Environment Program, The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Contact: Robin DeJong, robin@ei.columbia.edu


Friday, March 13
Deadline to submit your testimonial for Martin (Ecology TA) to me at et2285@columbia.edu
5 p.m.
*Please read Martin's email to the class for more details. He is in the running for the best TA at Columbia and needs recommendations from his students. This award means a lot to his future career as a professor. If possible, please write a short paragraph and send it to me by 5 p.m. on Friday. I will compile your inputs and send them to Martin next week.

The New Regulatory Climate: Greenhouse Gas Regulation in the Obama Administration
8:30am - 3:00pm NYU School of Law, 40 Washington Square South
President-elect Obama has pledged to work with Congress to push for federal greenhouse gas regulation. The aim of the symposium is to examine the dramatic impacts such legislation will have on the environment, on technological invention and innovation, on our regulatory system, and on investment. The symposium will feature environmental experts from academia, government, ENGOs and the private sector.

WEBSITE:
www.regulatoryclimate.com

COST: $20, includes luncheon.

Topics to be discussed include:
• the regulatory uncertainty the legislation and its implementation stand to create, including allocation of regulatory responsibilities
among agencies and integration of existing state and regional control regimes;
• the practical results of the legislation including opportunities for technological invention, innovation, and investment; and
• a comparison between the proposed regulations and existing environmental regulatory regimes.

Confirmed participants include:
• Frederick F. Butler, Commissioner, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
• John A. Cavalier, Managing Partner, Hudson Clean Energy Partners
• Joseph Esteves, Chief Financial Officer, LS Power Group
• Nathaniel Keohane, Director of Economic Policy and Analysis, Climate and Air Program, Environmental Defense
• Roger Martella, Partner, Sidley Austin, former General Counsel at EPA
• Keith Martin, Partner, Chadbourne and Parke
• Richard Revesz, Dean, New York University School of Law
• David Schoenbrod, Professor, New York Law School
• Richard Stewart, Professor, New York University School of Law
• Alan Z. Yudkowsky, Partner, Strook & Strook & Lavan

This Week in ESP...

Monday, March 2
Sustainable Development at Columbia University: Engineering and Sustainable Development
Speaker: Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director, The Earth Institute at Columbia University
3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Schapiro CEPSR Building, David Auditorium
Contact: Earth Institute Events, events@ei.columbia.edu


Tuesday, March 3
Discussion: "Hard Truths from the Front Lines of the Sustainability Revolution" -- The challenges, frustrations, and some successes making global sustainability happen.
6:45-10:00 p.m. Fordham University at Lincoln Center Pope Auditorium, 113 W. 60th Street (corner of Columbus Avenue)
Speaker: Auden Schendler, Executive Director of Sustainability, Aspen Skiing Company
(see Elyse's email to the class for more info)

MPA-ESP Dodgeball
9:00 p.m. Dodge Physical Fitness Center


Wednesday, March 4
Spring Workshop Midterm Briefing
9:00-11:00 a.m. IAB 1501


Thursday, March 5
Environmental Career Speaker Series: Communicating Science to Non-Scientists
6:00-7:00 p.m. Hamilton Hall, Room 503
Contact: Betty esc2148@columbia.edu
Panelists:
Claudia Dreifus: Contributing Writer, Tuesday Science Times, New York Times; SIPA Faculty;
Marguerite Holloway: Director of the Science Program, Columbia School of Journalism;
Kevin Krajick: Senior Science Writer, The Earth Institute;
Gavin Schmidt: Senior Research Scientist, Climate Modeling, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
Technological developments in renewable energy, the genetics of high-yield crops for sustainable development, climate change models in the fight against infectious disease---whether you are a journalist, an NGO employee, a policy maker, or a financial analyst, communicating scientific issues to non-scientists will be an essential skill for professionals in the 21st century. Join some of Columbia's top faculty, authors, and researchers in a strategic discussion on how to perfect this challenging but rewarding skill. Collectively the panel has contributed to the New York Times, Scientific American, CNN, Smithsonian, National Geographic, Newsweek, Science, Discover, and even the Daily Show with Jon Stewart!
Moderator: James Marshall. Refreshments will be served.


Friday, March 6
All-Ivy Environmental and Sustainable Development Career Fair
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Low Memorial Library, The Rotunda


Saturday, March 7
MPA-ESP Volunteer with Fort Tyron Park
10:00 a.m.--1:00 p.m. Fort Tyron Park (190th Street)
Join us in preparing the park for spring planting! RSVP with Alex Varga (atv2106@columbia.edu)

This Week in ESP...

Tuesday, Feb 24
Corporate Responsibilities to Respect Human Rights - What Can be Expected from 'Big Pharma'?
12:30 to 2:00 p.m. URIS 141
Speaker: Klaus M. Leisinger, President, CEO, Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development
Contact: Matt Lowenbraun, mlowenbraun09@gsb.columbia.edu
Web Site: http://www4.gsb.columbia.edu/events/view?main.id=49219

The Student Environmental Coalition at SIPA (SECs) First Meeting
8:00 p.m. IAB room 404

MPA-ESP Dodge Ball
9:00 p.m. Dodge Physical Fitness Center


Wednesday, Feb 25
Workshop (Required)--Career Service Session by Professor Steven Cohen and OCS
9:00-10:00 p.m. IAB room 407

Environmental Careers Speaker Series: Climate Change Intelligence
1:00-2:00PM IAB room 413
Contact: Betty esc2148@columbia.edu
Join us for a discussion with Jessica Haller, MPA-ESP'08 and COO of Svante Scientific, about the current state of climate consulting and how a recent SIPA graduate is navigating the interface of science and policy in the private sector. Jessica Haller graduated from the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program at Columbia in May of 2008. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Svante Scientific, a firm that consults businesses concerning the effect of climate change on the private sector. As COO, Jessica manages product development, marketing, and human resources strategy. Jessica is also a LEED Accredited Professional with the US Green Building Council and an active member of The Climate Project.
Moderator: Nathan Chan, MPA-ESP'09
Refreshments will be served.


Thursday, Feb 26
SECs Social
9:00-11:00 p.m. Back Room at Havana Central (W 114th St & Broadway)

Upcoming Green NYC Events...

Wednesday, February 18, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Brooklyn GreenDrinks @ Loki Lounge
304 5th Ave. @2nd Street
Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY718-965-9600
www.lokilounge.com
Closest trains:F to 7th Av. Walk to 5th Av, then down towards Flatbush to 2nd Street.N/R to Union Street, walk to 5th Av, then away from Flatbush to 2nd Street.
This month, we're in Park Slope at the luxurious pub space--Loki Lounge. Named after the Norse god of mischief, this venue features an oak bar, jukebox, assorted couches, a pool table and darts.
Come before 7pm to catch the happy hour specials: $2 for domestic bottles, $3 for imported bottles and pints, and $1 off everything else.Every month, people who work in the environmental field, or simply have an interest in it, meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. It's your chance to mix with other like-minded folks, network, share info and make friends. Attendees have found employment, developed new ideas and even done deals! So join us-many report making great contacts every time!

Wednesday February 18th, 6:00PM
Sustainable Peace: Exploring The Interplay Between Peaceful Cooperation And Environmental Sustainability In The Middle East
NYU Bronfman Center, 7 East 10th Street
Please join us as we welcome Noam Dolgin, one of Judaism's most ardent and successful environmentalists to NYU and the Bronfman Center. We've all heard the speculation that the next war in the Middle East will be fought over water. This precious natural resource is one of many shared by Israel's citizens and neighbors. In this workshop we will explore the shared environmental concerns around land, water and air, and discuss how collaboration is vital in addressing social and environmental sustainability and creating lasting Peace. Noam Dolgin is a leader in Jewish environmental and Israel environmental programming. He serves as Executive Director of the Green Zionist Alliance, working from North America to promote environmental sustainability in Israel. His recent work includes developing the Elijah's Covenant climate change curriculum for the Shalom Center, which has been met rave reviews by a wide variety of Jewish leaders. From 2000 - 2007 Noam worked as the Associate Director of the Teva Learning Center, North America's foremost Jewish environmental education organization. More information on Noam's work is available at www.noamdolgin.comFor more information please contact sam.krenztman@nyu.edu

Wednesday, February 18 from 6:30-8PM
Monthly Green Building Forum: Green Building 101
Häfele Showroom (25 East 26th Street @ Madison Ave)
Three 15-min presentations followed by moderated discussion and questions from the audience.
2009 will be GreenHomeNYC's seventh year of organizing the Monthly Green Building Forum. The Green Building Forum is held on the third Wednesday of each month (except December) at 6:30 PM and features presentations by green building practitioners followed by discussion. The events are always free and open to the general public.
This month's topic: "Green Building 101". Rather than do a high fly-over of intro of green building, we've picked the three key topics relevant for NYC (energy, water, and IEQ) and asked three professionals who have engaged the issue at length and intimately to give us their version of the "Green Building 101" in no more than 15 minutes -- essentially a short primer of things that he/she would like everyone to know about the topic -- including: importance, common misconceptions, best practices, and reflection on what it would take to move toward fast and ubiquitous adoption of best practices.

Thursday Feb 19, 2009, 6 pm - 8pm
"Fuel" documentary screening and discussion
Center for the Urban Environment, 168 7 Street, Brooklyn$10 suggested for members and friends. Free popcorn!
POST-SCREENING DISCUSSION with Brent Baker, CEO of Tri State Biodiesel.
ABOUT THE FILM: FUEL is an insightful portrait of America's addiction to oil and an uplifting testament to the immediacy of new energy solutions. Director, Josh Tickell, a young activist, shuttles us on a whirlwind journey to track the rising domination of the petrochemical industry—from Rockefeller's strategy to halt Ford's first ethanol cars to Vice President Cheney's petrochemical company sponsored energy legislation — and reveals a gamut of available solutions to "repower America" —from vertical farms that occupy skyscrapers to algae facilities that turn wastewater into fuel. Tickell and a surprising array of environmentalists, policy makers, and entertainment notables take us through America's complicated, often ignominious energy past and illuminate a hopeful, achievable future, where decentralized, sustainable living is not only possible, it's imperative. http://thefuelfilm.com/

Thursday, February 19th 4-6pm
Seminar on Sustainable Development: global food production and hunger
Low Memorial Library, Faculty Room
This Earth Institute Seminar will be led by Dr. Pedro Sanchez and Dr. Cheryl Palm, world-leading experts in the cross-cutting field of Food, Ecology & Nutrition from the Tropical Agriculture and Rural Environment Program at the Earth Institute.
This event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served.PLEASE RSVP TO SLA53@COLUMBIA.EDU

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 7PM Screening, 8PM Panelists
The Water Front film screening and discussion
FREE event!!CHEAP drinks
Where? Brecht Forum; http://brechtforum.org/aboutushttp://www.waterfrontmovie.com/about
Join Food and Water Watch, YouthNoise, The Water Front and Media that Matters for a screening of the Water Front Film, and panel discussing environmental justice, new media and organizing, and water privatization.
The award winning documentary, "The Water Front" is the story of one community fighting against the seemingly inevitable path to water privatization. THE WATER FRONT is not just about water, but touches on the very essence of our democratic system. The film presents a community in crisis but it also presents the powerful enactment of local participation in finding solutions to the problems of our times. In coordination with Food and Water Watch, the film is on tour around the Great Lakes through March 2009.

Friday, February 20th, 3-5PM
The Future of Agriculture in India
Seeley W. Mudd Building, Room 924
The Earth Institute's Columbia Water Center
Lecture: The Future of Agriculture in India, presented by Tobias Siegfried, Associate Research Scientist, Columbia Water Center; Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of International and Public Affairs. This lecture is part of the Columbia Water Center Seminar Series.

February 24, 2009, 7-8PM
SECS General Meeting -- the first general meeting!!!
Location TBD
Come and participate, lend ideas and help get SIPA's new environmental group off the ground!!!Free Food!!!

Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 12pm-2pm
AIA Opportunities Fair
536 LaGuardia Place
The Center for Architecture will be hosting an Opportunities Fair. Representatives from community organizations, non-profits, schools, and training programs have been invited to the Center to share information about volunteer possibilities, continuing education, and other opportunities related to the design and architectural fields. The event is part of the Not Business as Usual initiative, a series of bimonthly Wednesday lunch workshops organized and presented by AIA New York and the Center for Architecture Foundation.
Among the organizations contributing to the fair are: Open House New York, Center for Architecture Foundation, Archiculture Film, Engineers without Borders, Institute for Design and Construction, Society of Design Administration, Canstruction, and Design Trust for Public Space.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP here: http://aiany.org/calendar/rsvp.php?id=1012727

Wednesday, February 25th 6-8PM
"Greening Manhattan's Waterfront, A New Perimeter Park for the 21st Century."
An evening with Phillip Lopate, Ann Buttenwieser, Rutherford Platt and John Waldman
Macaulay Honors College, 35 West 67th Street
For more information, visit our website http://tinyurl.com/b5vkv2RSVP to cmolnar@hunter.cuny.edu

Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Women's Foreign Policy Mentoring Fair
NYU Silver Center, Hemmerdinger Hall, 100 Washington Square East (University Place)
This is an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to network informally in roundtable discussions with experts in the fields of International Affairs, International Law, International Health, International Business, Foreign Service, and International Development. Listen to valuable career planning advice and guidance and learn about the skills required in the global job market. Offered in conjunction with the Women's Foreign Policy Group and Wagner School of Public Policy.

Wednesday, February 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) NYC Chapter happy hour
Vig Bar, at 12 Spring Street at Elizabeth Street.
RSVP - info@greenhomenyc.org http://www.greenhomenyc.org
Thursday, February 26, 6:00 – 8:00 pmHudson River Valley Greenway Link Public WorkshopLehman College, Music Building, East Dining Room, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx A forum for potential users, residents and other stakeholders to learn about the project and discuss their ideas and concerns. The workshop will incorporate interactive exercises, including drawing of potential route alignments, and a presentation by the project team. RSVP: Ryan Walsh, rwalsh@hshassoc.com, 917.339.0488, www.hshassoc.com

Thursday, February 26, 2009, 5:30-7:45
Sustainable Investing: The Art of Long-Term Performance
NYSSA, 1177 Avenue of the Americas (between 45th and 46th Streets), 2nd Floor
Sustainable Investing: The Art of Long-Term Performance is a new book written by international leaders in the field that thoroughly explains sustainable investment (history, evolution and mainstreaming); how to select sustainable companies and investments (screening criteria, indices, and indicators); the changing corporate landscape towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability; investment analysis and performance, and changes in capital markets.
Join Sustainable Investing co-editor/author Cary Krosinsky and chapter contributor Stephen Viederman as they discuss their conclusion that the best way to generate risk-adjusted returns in the 21st century is to fully incorporate long-term environmental, social, and economic trends into investment and ownership decision-making. Whether motivated by personal values or by the quest for superior returns, investors can explore risk mitigation and upside opportunities by leading the front-end of the sustainability curve.
Online pre-registration and photo ID required for access to the building.NYSSA Members Free Nonmembers $20REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, February 23, 2009
http://www.nyssa.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=calendar&template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=12158

Tuesday, March 3, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Glass Buildings: The Energy Challenge
New York Academy of Sciences, 7 World Trade Center
Introduction: Nancy Anderson, Executive Director, Sallan Foundation; Moderator: Michael Bobker, Director, CUNY Building Performance Lab Panelists: Chris Benedict, RA, an architect experienced in designing energy-efficient building envelops, will discuss the potential of high-performance enclosure design. Scott Frank, PE, Principal Mechanical Engineer at Jaros, Baum and Boll, will address how glass buildings have met energy codes to date. Adrian Tuluca, PE, Energy Performance Analyst at Viridian Energy & Environmental, will present what we learn from energy modeling and how well modeling reflects reality. Register: www.nyas.org

Thursday, March 5, 2009, 1:15-2:45 PM (get there by 12:30!)
Sustainable Investing: The Art of Long-Term Performance
International Solar Energy Society (ISES) New York
U.N. Conference Room
For further information contact Roma Stibravy - Chairperson, UN NGO Sustainability, at isesny@gmail.com. To obtain a UN day pass, please request by March 3rd noon. Speaker: Cary Krosinsky Globalization and climate change have forever altered the evolution of the world financial system. Now, with climate change clearly on the horizon, sustainable investment is fast becoming the smart way of generating long- term returns. But how has the sustainability agenda evolved, what impact does it have today, and what prospects are emerging for the years ahead?

Friday, March 27th (but RSVP NOW), 9:00AM - 6:00PM
Columbia Energy Symposium 2009
Alfred J Lerner Hall, Columbia University
RSVP Required (limited to 150): http://www0.gsb.columbia.edu/students/organizations/ert/Symposium/index.htmlContact: Christopher Kaminker crk2114@columbia.edu The Energy Club of Columbia's Graduate School of Business and The Energy Association of Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs will host Imagining Tomorrow: Meeting Energy Demands in a Carbon Constrained World on Friday, 27 March 2009. The day-long event will be in Lerner Hall, on Columbia's Morningside campus.Imagining Tomorrow will focus on the influence that carbon constraints have on the use of coal, renewable energy, and unconventional oil as well as the role that carbon markets can play in this dynamic sector - creating an exchange of ideas on balancing portfolios between traditional and emerging energy companies, and connect students with business leaders, academics and regulatory experts.Keynote speakers will be Ivan Marten, Senior Partner and Managing Director - Global Leader Energy Practice, Boston Consulting Group and Brian Ward, Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer - GE Energy Financial ServicesFour panels that will focus on sharply-defined themes critical to driving energy solutions, featuring panelists who have experiences and successes across the featured topics of: * Renewable Energy * Coal "Then and Now" * Unconventional Oil * Carbon Markets

This Week in ESP...

Monday, Feb 16
President's Day!

Tuesday, Feb 17
Soil Knowledge for a Sustainable Planet: Inaugurating GlobalSoilMap.net
10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Casa Italiana, the Teatro
Speakers: Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director, The Earth Institute at Columbia University; Special Advisory to the UN Secretary-General; Pedro Sanchez, Director, Africa Soil Information System; Director, Tropical Agriculture and Rural Development, The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Contact: Earth Institute Events, events@ei.columbia.edu

MPA-ESP Dodge Ball
9 p.m. Dodge Physical Fitness Center


Wednesday, Feb 18
Environmental Careers Speaker Series: Living the Green Life
1:00-2:00PM IAB room 413
Contact: Jonna Robins, jcr2144@columbia.edu
The mission of the Green Living Project is to educate and inspire individuals and communities to live a more sustainable lifestyle through stories focused on unique and diverse examples of sustainability from around the world. In 2008, Green Living Project highlights Africa, documenting projects administered by leading non-profits, eco-lodges, conservation organizations, travel companies and local tourism boards. Learn more: www.greenlivingproject.com

Founder Rob Holmes has been a well-known photojournalist and responsible traveler for over 18 years. He has worked with over 20 leading international wildlife conservation organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, International Snow Leopard Trust, and Appalachian Mountain Club. Rob's area of business expertise is strategic planning, marketing, business development, and sales and he has worked with companies such as Recreational Equipment Incorporated (R.E.I.), Eastern Mountain Sports (E.M.S.), and Trails.com. Rob received a BA in Environmental Biology & Wildlife Management and an MBA in International Business, Environmental Management, & Marketing.
Moderator: Jonna Robins MPA-ESP 09
Refreshments will be served.

Millennium Villages Student Research Showcase
1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Lerner Rm 555
Contact: Scott Andrews, sandrews@ei.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-1298


Thursday, Feb 19
Columbia Water Center Seminar: Will China Run Out Of Water?
1:00-2:00 p.m. 924 Mudd
Speaker: Chunmiao Zheng, Professor of Hydrogeology; SSPA Faculty Fellow; 2009 Birdsall-Dreiss Distinguished Lecturer, University of Alabama
Contact: Columbia Water Center, watercenter@columbia.edu or call (212) 851-5695

Earth Institute Seminars on Sustainable Development: Food Production and Hunger
4:00-6:00 p.m. Low Memorial Library, The Faculty Room
Speaker: Pedro Sanchez, Director, Tropical Agriculture and Rural Environment Program, The Earth Institute at Columbia University; Cheryl Palm, Senior Research Scientist, International Research Institute for Climate Prediction
Associate Director, Center for Globalization and Sustainable Development , The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Contact: Scott Andrews, sandrews@ei.columbia.edu or call (212) 854-1298


Friday, Feb 20
Columbia Water Center Seminar: The Future of Agriculture in India: Ample Reason for Concern, Ample Reason for Hope
3:00-5:00 p.m. 833 Mudd
Speaker: Tobias Siegfried, Associate Research Scientist, Columbia Water Center; Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of International and Public Affairs
Contact: Columbia Water Center, watercenter@columbia.edu or call (212) 851-5695

This Week in ESP...

Tuesday, Feb 10
Earth Institute: City Futures: Confronting the Crisis of Urban Development in the Global South
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 329 Pupin
Speaker: Edgar Pieterse, Director, African Centre for Cities, Professor, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, University of Cape Town
Contact: Amanda R. Christie, arc2140@columbia.edu

Dodgeball (See class bulletin board for more updates)

9:45 p.m. Dodge Physical Fitness Center

Wednesday, Feb 11
Environmental Careers Speaker Series: Mainstreaming Renewable Energy
1:00-2:00 p.m. IAB room 413
Contact Vanessa vem2110@columbia.edu if you have questions. Refreshments will be served.

Join us for a discussion with Sam Carroll, a New York-based business development consultant for renewable energy and green technology companies. His ongoing projects involve identifying target markets for the client, building a list of potential customers, and pursuing deals with those potential customers. Current clients include Soltage (commercial solar energy), Community Energy / Iberdrola (utility-scale wind energy), and Unimodal (21st Century transportation systems).

Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College (MN) and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Michigan. Sam served as a Presidential Management Fellow in Washington from 2002 to 2005, with assignments at the U.S. Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security / FEMA. He then left to seek work in private industry, and after a few false starts, has settled into a sole-proprietor consulting/contracting role in renewable energy.

Upcoming Green Events

Monday January 26 at 9AM
Breakfast with Sustainability Expert Peter Newman
NYU Kimmel Center, Room 802
60 Washington Square South
Start your day with a lively and hopeful discussion with Peter Newman, Director of the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP), on how cities around the world are achieving lasting and resilient sustainability. As part of his U.S. book tour "Setting the New Planning Agenda", Newman will share key lessons from his latest publication, Resilient Cities: Responding to Peak Oil and Climate Change.
RSVP: http://transalt.org/events/calendar/2945

Monday January 26 from 1PM-2PM
Pepsico CSR Information Session
SIPA Room 410
PepsiCo is a company dedicated to delivering Performance with Purpose. In addition to delivering against financial objectives the company has a comprehensive commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) including Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability Objectives. CSR and Environmental Sustainability impact several functions in the company, including Government Affairs, Public Affairs, Operations, Procurement, Marketing and Finance. We plan to use this time to convey both a summary of specific achievements and objectives in CSR, as well as to discuss projects that are planned for this year. Some of these projects will require staffing by Interns, and the Students at SIPA may have a specific interest in understanding more about the roles.

Monday, January 26th, 2009 at 3PM
Innovations in Renewable Energy: Navarra, Spain. A Panel Presentation and Wine Tasting Reception Featuring the Wines of Navarra
Columbia University IAB 1501
Contact: Furhana Husani, fmh2104@columbia.edu
Please join the Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy in hosting the President and Secretary of State for Business Development of Navarra, Spain, and the Mayor of Pamplona, as they discuss their exemplary and innovative use of renewable energy in the region.

Monday, January 26, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Solar 1 Green Renter Series: Labor and Structure: Overlooked Aspects of Recycling in NYC
Solar One: FDR Drive at 23rd St.
Samantha MacBride, Deputy Director of Recycling, NYCDOS
Public education and economic viability are two important features of making recycling work in NYC. But the often unseen labor of custodians, collectors and sorters is no less important; as is the physical set-up of buildings, streets, and public spaces This talk discusses how labor and structure enable successful recycling, encouraging New Yorkers to consider how important these seemingly “background” issues are to the viability of sustainable waste management.
http://solar1.org/

Tuesday, January 27 from 7:00 - 9:00pm
Muhammad Yunus
NYU Schimmel Auditorium in Tisch Hall
40 West Fourth Street
The Berkley Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at New York University's Stern School of Business is proud to announce a visiting speaker: Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus. The event will include a talk from Mr. Yunus, brief Q&A, and a book signing at the end of his new book Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism.
RSVP http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001_XMAMAtTdrZdDme8zN3Chm-6NL3HOf7Cs55XIbgFU3CJB9wdplyYoBqqkuQkMLP_eaaeyit7Hz_YxHjdo-DVLBhpzD8EaxHMeAwa64tdS-sXGvnqMDz7JzxOTn4QLzlD

January 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 including refreshments
Sustainable Cities Dialogue: The University as Green Crucible
Wollmann Hall, The New School
Interdisciplinary university programs aim to advance our understanding of reciprocal relationships between the built world and the natural world. Is this newly popular method working, and is it working fast enough? Will this meeting of the minds be sufficient to meet tomorrow's challenges? Leaders from a variety of institutions will discuss current trends, obstacles, and the long-term opportunities using examples from on-going projects.
http://getinvolved.usgbcny.org/site/R?i=zHbI6q4llUELTuN-c-MRgg..

January 28th form 5PM - 6PM including refreshments
Tour: Microturbines at Astor Wine and Spirits
399 Lafayette Street
To counteract the intense energy consumption needed to chill saké and wine, Astor Wines generates its own electricity using two natural gas-powered microturbines in their storage cellar. Bruce Beckwith and Cory Glick of RSP Systems will host a tour of the facility at Astor Wines and introduce the Capstone microturbine technology, which is used widely in New York City. Andrew Fisher, president of Astor Wines & Spirits, will discuss the costs and benefits of their commitment to sustainable practices from grape to bottle. Buy tickets. http://getinvolved.usgbcny.org/site/R?i=toWvHrFkR8OfztPQaibSJQ..

January 28 from 8:30AM-5PM
Clean Construction Workshop
Columbia University, Uris Hall
Columbia University in conjunction with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environmental Conservation and Northeast Diesel Collaborative will be providing a free Clean Construction Workshop. Registration is required. Full details available here. http://getinvolved.usgbcny.org/site/R?i=xZHbPes9BJfPLj9_KUIGEg..

Wednesday, January 28th from 1PM-2PM
The Advocacy Project Summer Fellows Program Information Session
Where: SIPA TBD
Iain Guest, founder and Executive Director of The Advocacy Project (AP), will discuss AP's efforts to bring about social change by helping marginalized communities claim their rights. Since 1999, AP has supported over 50 community campaigns around the world, and recruited over 100 graduate students (Peace Fellows) from North America and Europe to volunteer with them. Mr. Guest is an adjunct professor of Human Rights at Georgetown University, where he teaches human rights. Learn more about AP's unique approach and see if you are interested in becoming an advocate for peace.

Thursday, January 29 from 12:30 to 1:30
"The Impact of Climate Change on International Peace & Security: A View from the Small Island States." With H.E. Stuart Beck, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN (Palau) and Islands First board member
NYU Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street at Houston St, 2nd floor
Climate change is adversely impacting sustainable development, human rights, national sovereignty and security. While sustainable development and human rights are being addressed in their respective fora at the United Nations and beyond, the security implications of climate change have yet to be given proper consideration. The failure to consider fully the interlinkages between climate change and security is a critical gap in current international negotiations and debates. Ambassador Beck will discuss ways in which climate change is already undermining the security of small island states and initiatives being undertaken at the United Nations to try to address these problems. RSVP http://wagner.nyu.edu/events/

Thursday and Friday, January 29-30, 8AM-5PM
WE ACT for Environmental Justice Conference
Pope Auditorium, Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, 113 West 60th St
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001G6NTi0_Yn9FqCxZaHV5LN48F0x3_TKk-ZFikBk-vGzGoia6fopYbOQ9z6GKpAUBXwysyJsdzfZlYA5T8AwV08GMvUqLo8LK_hq5IqwS3qRkg0EnhudScs7tP32lH8wJVFDZ0R5R_1wS5yo8Bffp-Ww (a PDF of the conference agenda)
Confirmed Conference Guests & Speakers
*Lisa Jackson *(*Invited*), US EPA Administrator-Designee
*Hon. Charles Rangel *(*Invited*)*,* US House of Representatives
*Dr. John M. Balbus*, Environmental Defense Fund
*Dr. Robert D. Bullard*, Environmental Justice Resource Center at Clark-Atlanta University
*Luke Cole*, Center for Race, Poverty and the Environment
*David Doniger*, Natural Resources Defense Council
*Omar Freilla*, Green Worker Cooperatives
*Dr. Howard Frumkin*, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
*Bill Gallegos*, Communities for a Better Environment
*Peter Goldmark*, Environmental Defense Fund
*Tom Goldtooth*, Indigenous Environmental Network
*Dr. James Hansen*, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
*Dr. Tyrone Hayes*, University of California - Berkeley
*Oran Hesterman*, Fair Food Foundation
*Eric Mann*, Labor/Community Strategy Center
*Dr. Manuel Pastor*, University of Southern California
*Gil Quinones*, New York Power Authority
*Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig*, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
*Mark Rossi*, Clean Production Action
*Ernest Tollerson*, Metropolitan Transit Authority
*Dr. Beverly Wright*, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University
*Elizabeth Yeampierre*, UPROSE

Register Online Today! Space is Limited!
*SCHOLARSHIPS available for students and WE ACT members. *
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001G6NTi0_Yn9F4yzUrbhFiKKrnoPTjJ2RqwKo9xYOIUjkzkfjhngbl0Jltzz46APbPNyhO8tkfqmqVWztiWKF2GHSDTnGQhzPwmJssIQ1hgSUVulG1s2M9VXs8GyjWdrzbdKinZk0KZDYdF4kgj_EOPuFodz-En_sSOpXk2BXTjnohi9-vVB0QybuB1uJz1XfySp3zma_r4FU1jhZDWNSkuIc6CIwuh9u2OaksnUEmXr2Hdo2aaAIPv9YtAkPSEFfjrfNt2R6418Lk1EfW1EIrqfdj7TBK6b9ypSbpYTSWqW8

Friday, January 30th at noon
Kick-off of the JNF-Bronfman Green Series
Bronfman Center (7 E 10th Street, 5th floor)
Join us for lunch and a discussion with Harriet Sugarman about climate change and the effects of war. Harriet worked at the UN as the representative for the international Monetary Fund, participating in the big UN conferences of the 90's--including the first UN Earth Summit. She represented the IMF at both the World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, and at the UN Conference on Human Settlements in Istanbul, Turkey. Harriet followed many of the UN environmental and sustainable development committees for the IMF at UN headquarters in NY and around the world. Since then Harriet has taken her efforts to a local level, working with school districts and her own synagogue. We are excited to welcome her to the Center this January 30th and hope you will join us! Questions and/or RSVP to bronfmangreen@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 from 5-6:30 pm
Waste Reduction and Recycling Workshop
Sustainable NYC, 139 Avenue A between 8th & 9th
This workshop will show you how to reduce your business's waste and provide resources to help you get started. We will provide you with the must-know information to understand and comply with the environmental regulations. You will hear from business owners/managers in NYC who have successful waste reduction and recycling programs. Come to this workshop and walk away with the skills to implement earth-friendly and money saving recycling programs at your business. Attendee's will also receive a vendor/resource guide to help your business save money and grow green. Registration is recommended. To register email Info@LESEcologyCenter.org

February 4 from 4PM-6PM
Urban Ecology Spring Seminar Series
On the Wings of a Bird: The Mystery of Bird Migration with Susan Elbin
NYU, Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South
Why do birds leave their nesting grounds to travel many thousands of miles. Why do they return? And how do they get to where they are going? Dr. Elbin explores the mystery of migration through the perspective of New York City birds. Director of Conservation and the newest member of New York City Audubon's staff, Dr. Susan Elbin is an ornithologist who has been working in the field of behavioral ecology and conservation for more than 20 years. Space is limited. To register for this event email kathleen.oliver@nyu.edu

Wednesday February 4 at 7:30PM
NYC - 2009 Young Professionals in Energy (YPE) Kick-off Happy Hour
Public House
140 E. 41st St. New York, NY 10017
Summary: Young Professionals in Energy 2009 New York City Kick-off Happy Hour Come meet other Young Professionals in Energy and discuss what's happening in the energy community in New York! ... Stay tuned for drink specials. http://www.ypenergy.org/en/cev/218/

Tuesday February 3 from 1:15 to 2:45PM
Meeting of the International Solar Energy Society: Sustainable Tourism
United Nations Conference Room 8
Featuring speaker David Sklar, CEO, S.T.A.R. Island. S.T.A.R. ISLAND An island off the coast of Eleuthera, Bahamas, is the site of the most advanced land use, water and energy development. Through a mix of solar, wind, water energy and bio-fueled integrated power generation systems a new level of "off-the-grid" living is planned. This revolutionary micro-grid will consist of nearly 70 net-zero energy buildings which will work in tandem to produce and distribute more than 1 megawatt of clean, reliable independent power.
For further information or to obtain a UN day pass email Roma Stibravy – chair, UN NGO Sustainability: isesny@gmail.com

Friday March 27th
Climate Change Student Lobby Day 2009
Washington DC
Join members of Oxfam Clubs and Oxfam based clubs across the country in a Congressional Lobby day in Washington, D.C. to communicate to our Senators the immediacy of the issue of climate change and how it affects people around the globe. To register visit http://vsa.vassar.edu/~operationdonation/. For NYC students interested in joint travel arraignments and lobbying preparation meetings contact Ann Gennaro, Co-President of Oxfam America @ NYU, at agennaro@nyu.edu. For updates on the Lobby Day join the facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/s.php?k=100000004&id=44585672421&gr=2&a=7&sf=t&sid=980ef3fc9a11c073a54e5eb5857b5a14&act=2444431900#/group.php?gid=44585672421

April 2 and 3, 2009
Exploring the Dynamic Relationship Between Health and the Environment
The Milstein Science Symposium
Presented by the American Museum of Natural History's Center for Biodiversity and Conservation and Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics
http://cbc.amnh.org/health/
Health and the environment are deeply intertwined for populations, species, and ecosystems, as well as for human lives and livelihoods. Human endeavors in agriculture, energy and food production, transportation, and infrastructure development can have far-reaching and significant impact on the health of all species. Understanding these relationships is increasingly critical in the context of our changing world and the accelerating loss of biodiversity.
This two-day conference will present a diversity of viewpoints and experiences spanning the natural, medical, and social sciences, as well as policy planning. Presenters will discuss knowledge/data gaps and the limitations of current approaches, and examine innovative methods that move beyond speculation to a grounded understanding of impacts and realistic solutions. Particular emphasis will be placed on consideration of multiple and interacting stressors and decision making for maximizing benefits to both health and the environment.
CALL FOR POSTERS: Poster Abstract Submission DEADLINE: January 30

Thursday, April 2, 7 pm
FREE Evening Program: "It Takes a Planet: Connecting the Health of People and Nature"
http://cbc.amnh.org/center/programs/upcoming.html#2

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 from 10-11:30 am
Eco-Awareness and Incentive Building
Sustainable NYC, 139 Avenue A between 8th & 9th
Come to this workshop to learn the ways in which you can help make your small business a beacon of environmental awareness. In order for your business to go green all the way your employees and customers need to take an active role. In this workshop you will learn strategies and techniques to increase employee participation in your green initiatives, involve the community, and increase awareness and revenue through green-marketing. Please note this is a workshop for owners only. Registration is recommended. To register email Info@LESEcologyCenter.org or call (212)477-4022.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 from 5-6:30 pm
Green Roofs, Alternative Energy, and Your Business
Sustainable NYC, 139 Avenue A between 8th & 9th
If your business wants save on energy costs, increase marketability of your building, gain aesthetic appeal, increase roof life span, insulate your building from sound, reduce storm water runoff and more then come to this introductory workshop on Green Roofs and alternative energy. This workshop will teach you about what a Green Roof is and how your business and your community can benefit from it (including economic benefits and incentives). Green Roof experts will show you examples of Green Roofs and discuss how they are installed. Furthermore, experts on alternative energy option in NYC will help you reduce energy bills and your businesses overall emissions.