[Uvic-sustainability] News and Events for week of Sept 22nd

Details: Published on Monday, 22 September 2014 14:00; Written by editor

NEWS

What was reportedly the largest climate march in history happened yesterday in New York City with between 300,000 and 400,000 participating, with local events happening at the same time in cities all over the world including Vancouver. The march was organized to show policy-makers that people around the world are deeply concerned about climate change and are demanding leadership at all levels of government. On Tuesday 120 world leaders, including US President Barak Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron, begin the next round of climate talks at the UN. Prime Minster Stephen Harper has declined an invitation to attend.

The Sierra Club of BC is circulating a petition calling on the provincial government to reverse its plan to effectively remove environmental education from BC grades K to 9 curriculum. Concepts such as environmental literacy and stewardship are essential aspects of a child’s... education. Instead, the proposed curriculum designates these as optional topics that teachers can choose to integrate into their lesson plans, but without any specific support or guidance. Sign the petition.

DriveElecticVictoria held an event on campus yesterday to showcase the joys of electric vehicle ownership by giving participants the opportunity to talk to local EV owners and take test drives in their cars. CHEK TV provided some good coverage of the event.

UVic’s newest dining outlet, Mystic Market, officially opened on the weekend. The outlet features 8 unique, self-branded food kiosks offering a wide assortment food options made from fresh, healthy and locally sourced ingredients. It also feature a retail store with baked goods, fresh produce and pre-packaged meals to go including salads and sushi. The outlet is designed with a distinctive “west coast trail” feel and promises to be UVic first zero-waste facility. Find out more.

EVENTS

CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY WEEK - OCT 6TH TO 10TH
A week of fun and informative events to profile and promote campus sustainability. Events include a Sustainability Photo Contest, an ECOSPEAK contest, Bike to Campus Day, Love-A-Mug week, EarthFest, Dodge Ball in the Dark, and more! Get all the details here.

EVENTS THIS WEEK:

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY - BC'S ENORMOUS POTENTIAL
Sept 23rd, Noon, online
Free online webinar hosted by the BC Sustainable Energy Association featuring Alison Thompson, executive director of the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association. Register on website.

ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE: GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE, LOCAL ACTION
Sept 23rd, 6 to 8 PM, via webcast
PICS presents a free online seminar featuring Stewart Cohen, Environment Canada, Lori Daniels, Faculty of Forestry, UBC and Jonathan O’Riordan, former Deputy Minister and now advisor with SFU’s ACT, as they share perspectives on climate change impacts and adaptation. More info and to view online here.

NATIONAL TREE DAY: FOREST WALK AND FREE PUBLIC TALK
Sept 24th, 9 to noon, Pacific Forestry Centre, 506 West Burnside Road
Guided tour through the newly re-opened Daivd Douglas Trail, and a short presentation on Climate, Carbon and Forests. Also meet research scientists studying the nearby Sooke Lake watershed and other demonstrations. See website for more details.

UVIC ENVIRONMENTAL ROUNDTABLE
Sept 24th, 5 to 8:30 PM, Vertigo Lounge in SUB
The UVic Environment Roundtable series hosted by the UVic Sustainability Project (UVSP) is a semesterly event for students passionate about building a sustainable future in our community. This event will provide an energized and exciting place for a moderated INTERACTIVE and FREE FLOWING dialogue among participants. Have projects and ideas? Come SHARE! Free sustainable snacks and special prizes for those arriving via bike, walking, carpool or transit. Bring your own bottle and plates. See Facebook for more info and order your free ticket on Eventbrite.

RETURN OF THE RIVER
Sept 24th, 7 PM, Cinecenta, UVic
Screening of documentary about dam busting the Elwha River in Washington State. Admission is $10, no passes. See Cinecenta website for more info.

VOLUNTEER FAIR

Sept 25th, 9:30 to 4:30, Michele Pujol Room, SUB

Hosted by Volunteer Victoria, drop by and find out how you can get more involved in your community by volunteering for one of more than 50 non-profit agencies. See website for more info.

INVESTING IN COMMUNITY
Sept 25th, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, University Club
Hosted by the Community Social Planning Council, a public forum with Rankin MacSween, one of the founders of the Community Economic Development movement in Canada. RSVP here and for more info contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

DAMNATION
Sept 25th, 7 PM, Cinecenta, UVic
Screening of documentary film that explores the sea change in attitudes from pride in big dams as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that our own future is bound to the life and health of our rivers. Admission is $10, no passes. See Cinecenta website for more info. THE POLITICS OF ENERGY:

THE POLITICS OF ENERGY: OIL AND BEYOND?
Public conference and forum hosted by the Centre for Global Studies
Sept 26th, 1 to 5 PM, Cadboro Commons "Energy for Whom? Perspectives from Europe, North America, and the Global South
Sept 26th, 6 to 7:30 PM, Bob Wright, B150, Keynote with Thomas Homer-Dixon, "Carbon Shift: The Coming Global Energy Transition"
Sept 27th, 9 am to 12 pm, David Strong Building, "Governing Energy: International and Local Perspectives"
RSVP: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 250.853.3218.

Rita Fromholt

Sustainability Coordinator

Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability

University of Victoria

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