SEEKING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS:
LINKING OUR HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMY AND OUR COMMUNITIES
We are united in recognizing that climate change is compelling us to re-examine the ways in which we generate and use energy. Somewhat less obvious are the connections between climate change, energy, water and the design and construction of our communities. Our sixth annual seminar series explored how changes to our environment affect our health, economy and community.
MAY 13, 2009
EXPLORING ENERGY & DESIGN: SMART SOLUTIONS FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
with Alan Thein Durning and Jason F. McLennan
As the prospect of global economic crisis hits home, there is hope. The work being done to combat climate change through smart community design, green building and energy research gives communities the opportunity to respond to economic crisis with common sense solutions. This seminar highlighted work being done right here in our backyard, and explained what needs to be done in the future to ensure the sustainability of our region.
MARCH 25, 2009
CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER: LOCAL PERSPECTIVES ON A GLOBAL PROBLEM
with Philip Mote and Steve Malloch
For more information about topics covered in this seminar, we suggest reading the Washington Climate Change Impact Assessment.
Climate change is heating up our planet. Here in Washington we are beginning to get a glimpse of what the future holds for us – sometimes too much water and at other times, too little water. How do we respond to the prospect of more floods, drought, wildfires, and other catastrophes? This seminar will look at our current situation and put forward community-wide solutions for how we respond to serious issues relating to growth, development, climate, and community. We’ll also look at personal solutions – what you can do in your home and with your lifestyle that can reduce not just your carbon footprint, but also your “water footprint.”
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
ENERGY AND WATER IN THE WEST: PRIORITIES FOR A HEALTHY WASHINGTON
with Michael Hightower and Joan Crooks
The series opened with a seminar that highlighted a major dilemma as our nation seeks to reduce its reliance on oil: the burden placed on our limited water supplies through the development of many renewable energy sources. In the second part of this seminar brought these issues home to Washington State as we discuss environmental legislative priorities and what our state is doing now to meet the changing needs of our region.