[Uvic-sustainability] News and Events for week of April 14th

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Published on Monday, 14 April 2014 12:40

Written by editor

NEWS

UVic students are active in community-based mapping: Amy Becker (Anthropology), who is this year’s recipient of the Jamie Cassels Undergrad Research Award, has created a digital atlas of traditional First Nations place names on Vancouver Island using Google Earth technology. Chris Krasowski (Geography) is working on a project in conjunction with the City of Victoria to create a map of potential solar roofs in the city. The data will be incorporated into VicMap, the city’s online mapping resource.

UVic faculty are among the dozens of scientists who signed on to a letter in the National Post to protest the fact that over two dozen scientists had applied for intervener status at the upcoming National Energy Board hearings on the expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline project, yet all were rejected. They believe it is because they were proposed to speak about climate change.

Harvard University has taken a bit step towards possible divestment from fossil fuels by becoming the first American university to sign the UN-backed Principles of Responsible Investment to guide the way its $33 billion endowment is management by “integrating environmental, social and governance factors into investment analysis and ownership practices”. The only university in Canada to sign on so far is University of Ottawa. Harvard also made a commitment to sign on to the Carbon Disclosure Project which “works with investors to request that portfolio managers account for and disclose information on GHG emissions, energy use and carbon risks”.

The Capital Regional District has launched “Green 365” a program to help us all be greener inside and outside of the home year round. From Apr 2nd to May 27th the program will be offering special tips on spring cleaning. Get weekly tips by following them on Twitter #green365 and check out the Green365 video.

EVENTS

RECOVERING OUR SENSES
Apr 14th, 7 to 9 PM, MAC, David Lam Auditorium
A talk by Philip Shepherd, author of "New Self, New World" on how our society has become disconnected from nature, each other and our own bodies. See Facebook for more info.

IMAGINING A BEAUTIFUL GREEN FUTURE: OAK BAY 2034
Apr 16th, 7 PM, Windsor Park Pavilion, 2451 Windsor Road
Heritage Oak Bay hosts talk by Guy Dauncey from the BC Sustainable Energy Association. By donation, refreshments served.

OFF THE GRID FESTIVAL
Apr 17th, 3 to 5 PM, Claremont Secondary School, 4980 Welsey Road
YesBC hosts annual community music festival for youth featuring Mindil Beach Markets and Carmanah, powered by humans and solar technology. See website for more info.

THE SHOCK DOCTRINE
Apr 17th, 7 PM, BCGEU Hall, 2994 Douglas St
Screening of documentary based on Naomi Klein's acclaimed book "The Shock Doctrine" about disaster capitalism. Sponsored by Victoria Friends of Cuba. See website for more info.

EASTER BARN DANCE

Apr 17th, 8 PM, Victoria Events Centre, 1415 Broad St

Social Coast hosts 3rd annual Barn Dance and fundraiser featuring bluegrass band “Union Cartel”. Dress as your favorite farmer. Tickets $10. See Facebook for more info.

Rita Fromholt

Sustainability Coordinator

Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability

University of Victoria

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www.uvic.ca/sustainability