[DIALOGnews] DIALOG and DISCCRS News 07/21/2006
Susan Bennett
bennetsk at whitman.edu
Fri Jul 21 14:25:28 CDT 2006
DIALOG and DISCCRS News
07/21/2006
************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESOURCES
Woodrow Wilson International Center Fellowships in the Social
Sciences and Humanities 2007-2008
(see below)
Ethics, Place & Environment - Special Issue Call for Papers
(see below)
One Planet, Many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment.
Powerpoints of UNEP’s Atlas Released for Educational Purposes
(see below)
SCIENCE NEWS
Earth Faces 'Catastrophic Loss of Species' By Steve Connor The
Independent UK
(see below)
SUMMER PROGRAMS, COURSES, INTERNSHIPS, MEETINGS, OPPORTUNITIES
Conference Announcement - Gordon Research Conference on Polar Marine
Science. "An Interdisciplinary Look at Processes Over Multiple Scales
of Variability"
(see below)
JOBS
New Job Board for Environmental Markets Industry, for Employers and
Job Seekers
(see below)
Visiting instructorship, Marine Biology, University of New England
(http://www.une.edu/cas/biological/)
Assistant Professor - Vertebrate Biologist - Whitman College
(see below)
Compass Director Of Science-Policy Outreach Location: Washington,
D.C., USA
(see below)
The Climate Group is currently seeking candidates for three vacancies
in its Woking (near London) UK, and New York, USA offices.
(see below)
***************************************************
Resources
Woodrow Wilson International Center Fellowships in the Social
Sciences and Humanities 2007-2008
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is
announcing the opening of its 2007-2008 Fellowship competition. The
Center awards approximately 20-25 academic year residential
fellowships to individuals from any country with outstanding project
proposals on national and/or international issues. Topics and
scholarship should relate to key public policy challenges or provide
the historical and/or cultural framework to illuminate policy issues
of contemporary importance.
Applicants must hold a doctorate or have equivalent professional
experience.
Fellows are provided stipends (which include round trip travel),
private offices, and access to the Library of Congress, Windows-based
personal computers, and research assistants. Application deadline is
October 2, 2006.
For more information and application guidelines please contact:
Scholar Selection and Services Office
Woodrow Wilson Center
One Woodrow Wilson Plaza
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004-3027, USA
Tel: +1 202-691-4170
Email: fellowships at wilsoncenter.org
Web: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/fellowships
********************
Ethics, Place & Environment - Special Issue Call for Papers
From: "Shawn Margles" <shawn_margles at antiochne.edu>
Technological change poses a series of challenges — political,
cultural, economic, and ethical. How can we adapt ourselves and our
communities to new technologies? What new technologies should we or
shouldn’t we adopt? When is technological change a problem and when
is it a solution?
Technological change also has profound geographical implications.
How does the introduction and use of new technologies transform the
landscape around us, our sense of space and place, and our mobility,
activity, rootedness, and attachment to place?
We seek to address these questions in the March 2007 special
issue of Ethics, Place & Environment.
For more information please visit www.tandf.co.uk/journals/cfp/
cepecfp.pdf
To find out more about the journal, please visit www.tandf.co.uk/
journals/titles/1366-879X.asp
********************
One Planet, Many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment.
Powerpoints of UNEP’s Atlas Released for Educational Purposes
One Planet, Many People: Atlas of Our Changing Environment
provides a comprehensive, visual presentation of scientifically
verifiable information about changes in the global environment, shown
through state-of-the-art remote sensing technology. A collection of
405 Powerpoint slides divided into Regional and Thematic sets
covering 11 contemporary and dynamic themes – Introduction to the
Planet, People and Planet, Atmosphere, Coastal Areas, Urban Areas,
Water and Lakes, Forests, Cropland, Grassland, Tundra and Polar Areas
and Extreme Events – and 6 geographical regions – Africa, Asia and
the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America and Polar Regions
– can now be downloaded free of charge at http://www.na.unep.net/
OnePlanetManyPeople/powerpoints.html.
This presentation of environmental hotspots and issues is based
primarily on satellite imagery taken over 30 years showing how human
actions and geophysical activities have changed various parts of the
world. Examples include the shrinking ice in the Arctic, melting
glaciers, growth of cities like Las Vegas, forest loss in the Amazon,
and the decline of the Aral Sea and Lake Chad. Satellite images
found in the 334-page hard-bound Atlas are packaged in this
Powerpoint presentation format to facilitate the use of imagery by
environmental policy makers, non-governmental organizations, the
private sector, academics, teachers and citizens interested in using
this material to visually demonstrate the changes resulting from
natural processes and human-induced activities.
Tejaswi Giri (Mrs.), UNEP/GRID
USGS/EROS Data Center
47914 252nd Street
Sioux Falls, SD, 57198, USA
Tel: 1 (605) 594-2782
Fax: 1 (605) 594-6119
Email: tgiri at usgs.gov
***************************************************
Science News
Earth Faces 'Catastrophic Loss of Species' By Steve Connor The
Independent UK
Thursday 20 July 2006
Life on earth is facing a major crisis with thousands of species
threatened with imminent extinction - a global emergency demanding
urgent action. This is the view of 19 of the world's most eminent
biodiversity specialists, who have called on governments to establish
a political framework to save the planet.
The planet is losing species faster than at any time since 65
million years ago, when the earth was hit by an enormous asteroid
that wiped out thousands of animals and plants, including the
dinosaurs. Scientists estimate that the current rate at which species
are becoming extinct is between 100 and 1,000 times greater than the
normal "background" extinction rate - and say this is all due to
human activity.
The call for action comes from some of the most distinguished
scientists in the field, such as Georgina Mace of the UK Institute of
Zoology; Peter Raven, the head of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St
Louis, and Robert Watson, chief scientist at the World Bank. "For the
sake of the planet, the biodiversity science community had to create
a way to get organised, to co-ordinate its work across disciplines
and together, with one clear voice, advise governments on steps to
halt the potentially catastrophic loss of species already occurring,"
Dr Watson said.
In a joint declaration, published today in Nature, the scientists
say that the earth is on the verge of a biodiversity catastrophe and
that only a global political initiative stands a chance of stemming
the loss. They say: "There is growing recognition that the diversity
of life on earth, including the variety of genes, species and
ecosystems, is an irreplaceable natural heritage crucial to human
well-being and sustainable development. There is also clear
scientific evidence that we are on the verge of a major biodiversity
crisis. Virtually all aspects of biodiversity are in steep decline
and a large number of populations and species are likely to become
extinct this century.
"Despite this evidence, biodiversity is still consistently
undervalued and given inadequate weight in both private and public
decisions. There is an urgent need to bridge the gap between science
and policy by creating an international body of biodiversity
experts," they say.
More than a decade ago, Edward O Wilson, the Harvard naturalist,
first estimated that about 30,000 species were going extinct each
year - an extinction rate of about three an hour. Further research
has confirmed that just about every group of animals and plants -
from mosses and ferns to palm trees, frogs, and monkeys - is
experiencing an unprecedented loss of diversity.
Scientists estimate that 12 per cent of all birds, 23 per cent of
mammals, a quarter of conifers, a third of amphibians and more than
half of all palm trees are threatened with imminent extinction.
Climate change alone could lead to the further extinction of between
15 and 37 per cent of all species by the end of the century, the
scientists say: "Because biodiversity loss is essentially
irreversible, it poses serious threats to sustainable development and
the quality of life of future generations."
There have been five previous mass extinctions in the 3.5 billion-
year history of life on earth. All are believed to have been caused
by major geophysical events that halted photosynthesis, such as an
asteroid collision or the mass eruption of supervolcanoes. The
present "sixth wave" of extinction began with the migration of modern
humans out of Africa about 100,000 years ago. It accelerated with the
invention of agriculture 10,000 years ago and began to worsen with
the development of industry in the 18th century.
Anne Larigauderie, executive director of Diversitas, a Paris-
based conservation group, said that the situation was now so grave
that an international body with direct links with global leaders was
essential. "The point is to establish an international mechanism that
will provide regular and independent scientific advice on
biodiversity," Dr Larigauderie said. "We know that extinction is a
natural phenomenon but the rate of extinction is now between 100 and
1,000 times higher than the background rate. It is an unprecedented
loss."
The scientists believe that a body similar to the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change could help governments to
tackle the continuing loss of species. "Biodiversity is much more
than counting species. It's crucial to the functioning of the planet
and the loss of species is extremely serious," Dr Larigauderie said.
"Everywhere we look, we are losing the fabric of life. It's a major
crisis."
Species Under Threat
Land Mammals
The first comprehensive inventory of land mammals in 1996 found a
quarter, including the Iberian lynx were in danger of extinction. The
situation has worsened since.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The Chinese alligator is the most endangered crocodilian - a
survey in 1999 found just 150. Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders
are the most threatened land vertebrates.
Birds
One in five species are believed to be in danger of extinction;
that amounts to about 2,000 of the 9,775 named species. Most are at
risk from logging, intensive agriculture, trapping and habitat
encroachment. Many experts believe the Philippine eagle and wandering
albatross could become extinct this century.
Marine Life
The oceans were thought to be immune from the activities of man
on land, but this is no longer true. Pollution, overfishing, loss of
marine habitats and global warming have a dramatic impact on
biological diversity. More than 100 species of fish, including the
basking shark are on the red list of threatened species.
Plants
Many plants have yet to be formally described, classified and
named - and some are being lost before they have been discovered by
scientists. Plants of every type are being lost.
Insects and Invertebrates
Many insects are wiped out by pesticide-reliant intensive
agriculture. Others, such as the partula tree snails of Tahiti are
menaced by invasive species.
**************************************************
Summer Programs, Courses, Internships, Meetings, Opportunities
Conference Announcement - Gordon Research Conference on Polar Marine
Science. "An Interdisciplinary Look at Processes Over Multiple Scales
of Variability"
25-30 March 2007
For further information, please go to:http://www.grc.org/
Every other year, the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Polar
Marine Science brings together an outstanding and diverse group of
scientists at the forefront of research, as well as younger
scientists and students. The format and intimate nature of these
meetings (maximum attendance is 125) makes them ideal venues to learn
about the latest research and to meet and discuss new and exciting
directions with a highly interdisciplinary group of colleagues.
The focus of the 2007 GRC on Polar Marine Science, which will
take place 25-30 March at the Four Points Sheraton in Ventura,
California, will be "An Interdisciplinary Look at Processes Over
Multiple Scales of Variability." The rationale behind this choice of
topic is to explore in detail the physical, chemical, and biological
processes that dominate temporal and spatial scales ranging from the
"micro" to the "paleo".
The guiding principle of a Gordon Conference is the presentation
of new, unpublished work and the free, unhampered discussion that
follows. This tradition of freely sharing ideas is due in large part
to GRC's "off the record" policy which prohibits photography or tape
recording of sessions or the publication of conference proceedings.
The agenda for this meeting is still being developed (http://
www.grc.org/programs /2007/polar.htm), but organizers hope that you
will consider attending and presenting a poster of your most exciting
new research results.
For application details, please go to: http://www.grc.org/
***************************************************
Jobs
Planktonnet: Great listserv for aquatic-science jobs
To subscribe to the list, send an empty email to:
planktonnet-subscribe at yahoogroups.com
Or, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/planktonnet/ and click on
'Join this group'
New Job Board for Environmental Markets Industry, for Employers and
Job Seekers
This exclusive job board is one of the first job boards that
specifically targets the environmental markets industry. The
environmental markets industry is experiencing a period of growth and
evolution. With this tool, both employers and job seekers will have
access to the most update employment information within this sector.
EMPLOYERS
Whether you are looking for early-career or more experienced
candidates, The CEMA CareerSite offers you specialized tools and
services to help you reach qualified candidates, and post jobs so
that you can find your new hires quickly and easily!
Post jobs 24/7
Direct access to qualified employees
Secure job management that allows you to post and edit jobs
Automatic pre-screening of candidates into “A-lists” and “B-
lists”
Search by over 10 different criteria
60-day job postings that can be utilized at any time
Build your team with talent, on time and under budget!
JOB SEEKERS
The CEMA CareerSite is your online career and employment
connection, created with the needs of the industry in mind. We know
that the profession has specialized career needs and therefore the
CEMA CareerSite is the best place on the web to support your job
search. Whether you are actively looking for a job, casually
searching for your “dream” job, or would just like a place to
store your resume, this is the place FOR YOU!
Search for and apply to jobs 24/7- Upload your resume in PDF or
word format
Complete control over the confidentiality of your information
Store up to 3 unique profiles- FREE!
Receive jobs in your toolbox
Search by over 10 different criteria- Customized Job Search
Agents working for you 24 hours per day
To view listing and to register, please visit:
ca.EnvironmentalMarkets.org
Who is CEMA?
The Canadian Environmental Markets Association (CEMA) is an
industry association dedicated to supporting the growth of the
environmental markets by enhancing emission reduction efforts in
Canada. As well as, by providing our members a forum for discussion
and a vehicle for the communication of knowledge regarding the
Environmental Markets in Canada.
********************
Assistant Professor - Vertebrate Biologist - Whitman College
BIOLOGY (VERTEBRATE BIOLOGIST): Whitman College seeks full-time
tenure-track Assistant Professor of Biology, starting August 2007.
Ph.D. required; post-doctoral experience preferred. We seek a
vertebrate biologist with interests in anatomy, evolution, and/or
ecology, to teach courses in vertebrate anatomy and general ecology,
contribute to an introductory course, “The Biological World,” and
supervise student research and thesis preparation. (Information on
the Whitman biology program and course offerings is available at
http://www.whitman.edu/biology.) Whitman College, located in historic
Walla Walla near the Blue Mountains in eastern Washington state, has
a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and research in a
liberal arts environment. Send (as hard copy): curriculum vitae,
three letters of recommendation, brief statements on teaching and
research interests, and transcripts (college and graduate) to:
Vertebrate Biology Search, Biology Department, Whitman College, 345
Boyer Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Deadline: October 13, 2006.
Diversity, broadly defined, is a core value of Whitman College;
candidates are therefore encouraged to address in their application
how they can contribute to enhancing the inclusiveness of the Whitman
community.
********************
Compass Director Of Science-Policy Outreach Location: Washington,
D.C., USA
The COMPASS (COMmunication PArtnership for Science and Sea)
Director of Science-Policy Outreach will direct, develop and
implement mechanisms to connect marine conservation science and
scientists to federal-level decision-making processes and
discussions. Priority efforts will focus on communicating peer-
reviewed science related to ecosystem-based management, aquaculture
and marine reserves, however other timely and salient marine
conservation science will be included. Initiatives to connect science
and policy will be designed to condition the climate for increased
public awareness and understanding of oceans and marine conservation.
COMPASS works to advance marine conservation science and communicate
science to policymakers, managers, the media, and the public.
Candidates should send a letter of intent, resume, and three
references to:
Brooke Simler, COMPASS Executive Director, Department of Zoology,
Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331. Electronic submissions
are strongly encouraged and can be sent to
simlerb at science.oregonstate.edu
********************
The Climate Group is currently seeking candidates for three vacancies
in its Woking (near London) UK, and New York, USA offices.
1. Carbon & Finance Programme Manager (based Woking, UK)
To lead the organisation's work on banking and finance, as well
as programmes relating to the voluntary carbon market including the
recently released Voluntary Carbon Standard.
2. Research Programme Manager (based Woking or New York)
To drive forward the organisation's research programme, including
the annual 'Carbon Down Profits Up' report and associated projects.
3. Researcher (based Woking or New York)
To work on the organisation's research programme, with a dual
focus on energy and corporate strategy internationally
Please note the deadline for applications is 5th August 2006
Full job descriptions and further details on application can be
downloaded from:
http://www.theclimategroup.org/index.php?pid=816
Best regards
Jim Walker MSc
Chief Operating Officer
www.theclimategroup.org
**************************************************
This newsletter has been developed by C. Susan Weiler to distribute
information of potential interest to recent PhDs engaged in
interdisciplinary aquatic science or climate-change research, and to
build an international sense of community among recent grads. It
provides an international forum for the exchange of information and
opinions regarding research, professional and social issues. The
views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the
funding agencies or sponsoring societies. Dr. Weiler reserves the
right to edit or reject material submitted to the list.
Please submit announcements of interest to recent PhDs to
phd at whitman.edu. Send a short message in the body of an e-mail
message, and link to any appropriate websites. Do not send attachments.
Moving? Send address changes to dialog at whitman.edu or
disccrs at whitman.edu
**********
C. Susan Weiler, Ph.D.
Office for Earth System Studies Tel: 509-527-5948
Whitman College Fax: 509-527-5961
Walla Walla, WA 99362
weiler at whitman.edu
Programs for Recent PhDs http://aslo.org/phd.html
DIALOG poster http://www.aslo.org/phd/dialogposter.pdf
DISCCRS poster http://www.aslo.org/phd/disccrsposter.pdf
Workshop Report, Meeting the Needs of
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Graduates in a
Changing Global Environment
http://marcus.whitman.edu/~weilercs/biocomplexity/
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