2009 - Syllabus
as of 3/13/09
The pilot program integrates home study, class discussion, workshops and teleconferences with experts to provide hands on tools to adapt and help lessen the effects of climate change. Program also includes fieldtrips to view innovative ways our local community is addressing climate change.
Class sessions on Thursdays, 2:00-4:30.
Fieldtrips on Saturday mornings
April 9, 2009
Session 1
Introduction to Carbon Masters
Welcome Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Executive
How to be a Volunteer in the Pilot Carbon Masters program
Craig MacConnell, Chair, Whatcom County WSU Extension
Participants will understand:
• WSU Extension Model and the land grant university system
• policies and procedures relevant to their role as WSU volunteers
• their important role as pathfinders of a new program
• civic engagement activity
• conducting impact evaluations
Group Discussion regarding their preconceived notions about climate change and what they wish to gain from Carbon Masters
It’s melting, melting, melting… Climate Change 101
Dr. Andrew Bunn, Huxley College, Western Washington University
Participants will understand:
• the natural carbon life-cycle and understanding carbon pools
• greenhouse effect and sources of green house gas (GHG)
• complexity and interrelatedness of climate change
• human fingerprints on GHG
• climate change and impacts on earth’s systems
• the concept of the commons and how it relates to the global atmospheric commonsPrior to session:
View Gilbert’s Why Humans can’t get Climate Change (and why we’re great at Ducking Baseballs) 15 min. http://www.poptech.org/popcasts/?viewcastid=163
John Holdren, Science Advisor of the US speaking about the Science of Climatic Disruption, 30 min. http://usclimateaction.org/userfiles/flash/Holdren.html
or William Calvin video “Intelligence, Use it or Lose it," 1 + hour http://www.williamcalvin.com
(check “recent climate talks” click on #1 . The climate talk in streaming video)Read simple explanation of weather vs. climate http://www.eo.ucar.edu/basics/index.html
Further study to provide interesting, simple ways to address climate change to groups:
Bathtub analogy for Greenhouse Gasses 10 min. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8235725143334110601
“Wake Up, Freak Out, Then Get A Grip” http://wakeupfreakout.org/film/tipping.html
Explore NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab website on climate change science (interactive data, stories) http://climate.jpl.nasa.gov/
Read the first chapter of Lester Brown’s book “Plan B3” which gives an overview of human impact of climate change and environment.
http://www.earth-policy.org/Books/PB3/pb3ch1.pdf
April 16, 2009
Session 2
Should I buy a boat? Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest
Laura Curley, Public Information Officer NW CleanAir Agency (Funder of Carbon Masters ™Pilot), “Take a Deep Breath—how we can secure our air quality”
Sue Blake, Water Resource Faculty, Whatcom County WSU Extension and University of Washington Sea Grant “Water, water everywhere, but will it be where we want?”
Carbon Footprints, Big Impacts: Measuring Sustainability
Dr. Grace Wang, Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University
• Discuss the Ecological Footprint Quiz
• learn how to reduce your footprintParticipants will understand:
• scientific certainty/uncertainty
• local Pacific Northwest ecosystems connections
• climate change impacts on Northwest resources & ecosystems (water/forests/agriculture/coast)
Prior to session:
From the February, 2009 Washington State Climate Change Impacts Assessment Conference:
http://cses.washington.edu/cig/outreach/waccia/#Agenda view one of these slide sessions:1) Update on Global Climate Change Science Since the 2007 IPCC Assessment - Philip Mote, UW Climate Impacts Group and Washington State Climatologist (25 min.)
2) Key Findings from the WACCIA - Marketa McGuire Elsner, UW Climate Impacts Group (25 min)
3) Tools and Resources for Building Adaptive Capacity - Lara Whitely Binder, UW Climate Impacts Group (25 min)View both short videos on the Cascading Effects of Climate Change in the PNW
Part One: 9 min http://www.lifeonterra.com/episode.php?id=178
Part Two: 7 min. video: http://www.lifeonterra.com/results.php?tag=northwestTake an ecological footprint quiz: http://pandora.cii.wwu.edu/footprint/
A local company’s international effort to reduce carbon footprints: http://www.alcoa.com/makeanimpact/en/home.asp
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245,00.html
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/02/25/080225fa_fact_specter
April 23, 2009
Session 3
What can WE do?? Civic Engagement
Dr. Grace Wang, “The Seven Indicators For Measuring Sustainability In The Cascadia Region”
Dr. Troy Abel : Huxley College of the Environment Western Washington University
“What Makes Local Communities Proactive; Why Some Communities Leap Forward”Participants will understand:
• how Carbon Masters™ can participate in the local political process
• how Local government is impacted by climate change
• local climate change programs and have an opportunity to interact with city/county leaders
• specific volunteer activities or projectsPrior to session:
Browse International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) website: http://www.iclei-usa.org/about-iclei/iclei-by_region/pacific-northwest-regional-capacity-center
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_keith_s_surprising_ideas_on_climate_change.html 15 min. video demonstrating the need for global cooperation.
“The Power of Community” 1 hour about transitioning to a sustainable community http://current.com/items/86120061/the_power_of_community_how_cuba_survived_peak_oil.htm
Information from the Union of Concerned Scientists regarding civic engagement: http://www.ucsusa.org/action/activist-resource-center.htmlVisit Sightline website and look at Cascadia’s 2009 “scorecard” http://www.sightline.org/
April 30, 2009
Session 4
Watt About Energy—Oil You Need to Know (part 1)
Participants will understand:
• how energy use and patterns effect climate change
• practical ways to reduce energy use
• pros and cons of various alternatives to fossil fuels
• new technologies for energy productionDana Brandt, EcoTech, Renewables: Local Perspectives on Solar and Wind Alternatives
Alex Ramel, Policy and Energy Manager, Sustainable Connections: Energy Options and Opportunities in Bellingham and Whatcom County
Prior to session:
Watch video on Swedish digester: http://www.swedishbiogas.eu/1/1.0.1.0/18/2/ (8 min)
Watch “Cool Solutions” a CBS report on the Danish Island of Samsø: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDk4GtUh3HA
Waste to Energy—(short company promotional videos)
The Production of Biogas: http://www.nordicbioenergy.dk/index.php?id=73&L=2
Plasma Melter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaYkhqeGDY4
Waste to Energy: http://www.covantaholding.com/rethink.shtml
Learn to use some tools: Kill O Watts and thermometers, thermal imaging camera and their use for measuring for energy issues
Making community Impacts, exploring ways to become engaged. Invite a panel of WSU volunteers to present a sampling of volunteer initiated community projects (greener garden parties, Community Garden projects, Jr. MG, school presentations…)
Carbon Masters™ Home Energy Links:
EERE: Energy Savers Tips Home Page – download the publication. Very comprehensive and useful. I expect that the content will answer most home owner questions (at least on the entry level)
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/The Home Energy Saver – great home energy calculator which can be adjusted to our climate.
http://hes.lbl.gov/Energized Learning – uses the Home Energy Saver in a learning exercise.
http://energizedlearning.lbl.gov/EERE: EERE Information Center – “Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE) Information Center answers questions about EERE's products, services, and technology programs”
https://www1.eere.energy.gov/informationcenter/EERE: Energy Savers Home Page – the title says it – saving energy in the home.
http://www.energysavers.gov/Making It Happen: Tips – another way to get to EERE’s content, plus others
http://hes.lbl.gov/hes/makingithappen/tips.htmlBuilding America: Related Links for Homeowners – if you want more – this is the place
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/homeowners.htmlUS Building Best Practices - Maritime locations – Great relevant information for our region
http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/publications/pdfs/building_america/38449.pdf
(pdf)
May 7, 2009
Session 5
(Part 2)
Energy and efficiency, Our Challenge
Rep. Jeff Morris 40th District, Energy Outlook for Washington State
Craig MacConnell, WSU Whatcom County Extension Chair, Renewable Energy/Biogas
Prior to session:
Stephen Chu Interviewed by Charlie Rose, March 9, 2009: http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10138
Smart Grid - "Enabler of the New Energy Economy"
http://energyeconomyonline.com/Smart_Grid_as_Enabler.htmlParticipants measure their energy usage for a week, and measure energy use of specific appliances
May 14, 2009
Session 6
But How Do I Get There From Here?—Transportation
Prof. Eric Leonhardt, Director Vehicle Research Institute, Western Washington University—Transportation Overview
Maureen McCarthy, Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) community outreach and marketing manager
Susan Horst, Community Transportation Program Manager: Local transportation options, including training on how to listen and find transportation solutions
Participants will understand:
• how transportation emissions/industry/infrastructure contributes to climate change
• impacts of climate change on transportation infrastructure
• local alternative transportation and how to reduce emissionsPrior to session:
Explore the SMARTRIPS website: https://www.whatcomsmarttrips.org/login.aspx
The Biofuel Bubble - BusinessWeek: http://tinyurl.com/c57m6f
Presentation by Niels Torslov (Active Transportation in Copenhagen section of the SFA presentation): http://www.sfu.ca/city/video026.htm
Taken For A Ride, 50 min:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2486235784907931000Visit Whatcom Transportation town and play the game: http://www.transportationtown.com/index.php?page=landuse
This session will be hosted at the VRI technology and development area at WWU, which participants will tour.
May 21, 2009
Session 7
Farming Food and Climate Change
Chad Kruger, WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR)
Participants will explore:
• sources of food related emissions along the food chain
• transportation and food
• Organic vs. conventional agriculture
• food security and what this means in our communityGreener Gardens - Softer Footprints
Diane Rapoza, WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener & Jill Cotton, WSU Whatcom County Master Gardener Coordinator
Participants will understand:
• carbon sequestration in forests, agriculture and soils
• how composting renews the soil and saves the earth
• reducing emissions through yard equipment choices
• how proper landscaping can reduce emissionsPrior to session:
Check out the website “Take a bite out of Climate Change”: http://www.takeabite.cc/
Check out the Food, Climate, Research Network website: http://www.fcrn.org.uk/
Take an inventory on where your food comes from and try mapping it. Trace your food item back to its country/state of origin. Explore Love Food website: (project to cut waste) http://www.thewi.org.uk/standard.aspx?id=10880
Prior to session: Students will explore sustainable landscape concepts: http://sustainablesites.org/
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/CATdocs/122107_2_preparation.pdf
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/2008FAdocs/Ag_Offset_Recc_Pkg_FINAL.pdf
Green Building/green Economy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr0IAWO9lnk
May 28, 2009
Session 8
Lets Get Cozy—Green Building (Class and Fieldtrip)
Rose Lathrop, LEED AP, Project Manager for Aiki Homes, and Kristina Daheim, Built Green® Program Director will give a presentation on examples of green residential construction. They will begin by asking and answering the question of, “how can adding another structure, another rooftop, or tearing out and replacing everything in a home be ‘green.’” Learn the about the residential checklists created for and by the Built Green® program, learn about education opportunities and certifications for builders and trades, and understand green design and building concepts by taking a walking tour of Green building projects in Bellingham.
2-2:45 go over green building basics – green building 101
2:45-3:00 walk over to WECU via Market Depot Square
3:00-3:30 Tour WECU
3:45-4:15 Tour Pickford
4:15-4:30 walk back to WSU Extension
Prior to session:
TED William McDonough video: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/william_mcdonough_on_cradle_to_cradle_design.html
Participants will explore steps they could take to reduce the impact of their housing shelter
June 4, 2009
Session 9
Need a job?--Economics, Clean Economy & Green Jobs
Dr. Alan Hardcastle, Research Associate, WSU Energy Extension , Olympia, WA
Participants will understand:
• potential economic changes with a new carbon economy
• carbon markets, cap and trade and offsets
• new “green” economic industry and green jobs
• regional cap and trade plans for PNW and WA State
• economic impacts of Climate change in your life
• who will bear the burden and who will benefit from changesDo I REALLY need that?—Consumerism
Rodd Pemble, Speaking about recycling, reusing, garbology
Participants will understand:
• how each country consumes resources and emits greenhouse gasses
• the impacts that consumerism has on climate change and on human societies
• which societies will be most vulnerable to effects of over consumptionPrior to session:
Video of Bill McKibben: The Downside of Economic Growth 6 min. http://video.aol.com/video-detail/bill-mckibben-downsides-to-economic-growth/1027333704Explore the Green For All website, and watch the 6 min. video: http://www.greenforall.org/?gfa_splash=1
Video of Van Jones http://www.poptech.org/popcasts/PopCasts.aspx?viewcastid=142 22 min.
View short introduction to Cap and Trade “Musical Chairs”:
http://www.thunks.net/Cap-and-Trade.htmExplore Yale’s interactive site: “See for Yourself” how Greenhouse Gas Emissions will affect the US Economy: http://www.climate.yale.edu/seeforyourself/index.php
“The Story Of Stuff” http://www.storyofstuff.com/
George Carlin: A Place For My Stuff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac
Explore the Department of Ecology’s “Beyond Waste” Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/beyondwaste/bwprog_sixteen.html
Green Jobs report and other energy workforce-related documents can also be found under the "Workforce" sidebar at:
www.energy.wsu.eduThe Good Consumer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK_7ju0W8HA
Saturday AM Fieldtrips
Organic Recycling/Carbon Sequestration
April 18
9:00am
View biochar (carbon sequestration) trials at Fourth Corner Nursery with discussion of soil carbon sequestration, Dr. Richard Haard, tour leader
http://fourthcornernurseries.com/Article16.asp10:30am
Witness large scale food recycling at Green Earth Technology, Stephanie Harvey, tour guide
http://www.greenearthtechnology.com/
Zero Waste Corporation Recycling and Reusing
May 2
8:30am
Disposal of Toxics, Alyce Cords, tour guide http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/publicworks/solidwaste/construction/toxics.jsp9:30am
Tour the Re-Store with Jason Darling, intro to the ReSources Sustainability Center and the “Be Cool” campaign with Katie Fleming.
http://www.re-store.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=66
http://www.re-store.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97&Itemid=11211:00am
Tour Ryzex Corp, which originated as a Zero Waste company. We will learn about systems issues, and discuss their transformation from a closed system to outsourcing waste, Brandon Provalenko, tour leader
http://www.ryzex.com/about-ryzex.aspx
Waste to Energy, and Waste Disposal
Sat. May 16
9:00am
Tour Vanderhaak Dairy anaerobic digester to witness the waste/energy cycle and promise of “closed loop” energy production, Steve VanderHaak, tour guide
http://www.andgar.com/specialty-general-contracting-digester-projects-completed-vander-haak-dairy.phpBioenergy and Bioproducts Fact Sheet (pdf)
10:30am
Tour the City of Bellingham Post Point Wastewater Treatment Facility, Peg, Wending, tour guide
http://www.cob.org/services/utilities/waste-water-treatment.aspx
Resilient Communities—Infrastructure
Sat. May 30
9:00-12:30pm (Meet at WSU Whatcom Extension Office)
We will discuss and explore issues related to our community ’s built environment, with a particular emphasis on lifeline infrastructure. We will link the concept of green building to broader concepts of low impact development and community disaster resilience, demonstrating that growth can’t be smart unless it’s safe.After a brief class session, will take a walk through our community, discussing the type,
location, and patterns of development and how these issues are linked to our community’s carbon footprint. We will begin in a residential neighborhood and end at the former Georgia Pacific site, viewing our built environment as a complex adaptive system. Once at the site we discuss how Bellingham can “build back better” – an idea well suited
to neighborhood redevelopment, climate adaptation, or disaster recovery.Nick Hartrich, Green Building Program Manager at Sustainable Connections
http://www.sustainableconnections.org/about/staffScott Miles, Assistant Professor at WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment will facilitate the class session and field trip.
http://myweb.facstaff.wwu.edu/miless2
Green Building Examples
TBA
Tour various homes, both new and retrofit, that apply green building techniques.
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Why Carbon Masters™? The climate in Washington State is changing as the planet is warming. Scientists have documented that increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere surrounding earth are raising global temperatures. Washington State is especially vulnerable - our landscape, agriculture, and natural resources. Washington State University Extension, in partnership with University of Washington, is developing the Carbon Masters™ program to train, equip and manage a core group of volunteers on climate change issues. Training focus includes climate change science, community infrastructure, natural resources, green economy, transportation, social justice, energy, and civic engagement. Everyone will be affected by climate change. Together, we can do something to help!
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