Great conversations

Idea Club last night provided some very stimulating conversations regarding what a sustainable society might look like and how we might get there. The Earth Charter came up and led to a wide-ranging discussion on how to create the society that might support its principles. The need for dealing with different ways of knowing was one aspect.

Boundary organizations  were much talked about. While this was a term many people were unfamiliar with, there was a vigorous discussion of just what a BORG looks like.

We examined one local BORG –  the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington. The definition of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation – an important long-term effect of the Northern Pacific on climate – came out of their work. They now help move information from climatologists to decision makers, such as utilities, local governments, water management agencies and even ski areas.

This week’s entry in the Seminar Series includes a member of the CIG, Philip Mote. He, with Steve Malloch, will discuss the effects of climate change on the Pacific NW in a presentation entitled Climate Change and Water: Local Perspectives on a Global Problem. It will be at Town Hall on Wednesday and tickets are $10 ($15 at the door).

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Idea Club on April 27.

Leave a Reply