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³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ College
Environmental Studies and Sciences

banner2015–2016 EVENTS

Fall 2015

Tuesday, September 15, 5:15 p.m., ES study abroad picnic
If you are interested in finding out about ES study abroad programs, come to this picnic and talk with ES students who have recently returned from abroad. We will serve international food to set the mood!
Location: Outside Dana Science Center


Wednesday, September 16, 5:30 p.m., Charles Dowd Lecture: “Capitalism, Values, and Quality of Life: An Empirical Psychological Approachâ€
Dr. Tim Kasser from Knox College will discuss how the American form of corporate capitalism emphasizes materialistic, self-enhancing values, but these values often lead to lower well-being, less pro-social behavior, and more ecological damage. The talk will conclude with a discussion of ways to dampen the excesses of American corporate capitalism and pursue healthier alternatives.
Location: Gannett Auditorium


Monday, September 21, 6:30 p.m., ES keynote speaker Nagaraja Harshadeep: “Modernizing Approaches to Address Environmental Challenges in the Developing Worldâ€
Harshadeep is senior environmental specialist at the World Bank with a specialty in watersheds. He will discuss institutional and investment approaches to manage environmental problems around the world, including watershed degradation, pollution, water conflicts, and climate resilience.
Location: Gannett Auditorium

Monday, September 21, 5:30 p.m., informational tables from local environmental groups
Informational tables from local environmental and conservation groups will be set up in advance of the keynote talk. If you are interested in finding out about internship or volunteer opportunities, please come by to talk to local representatives.
Location: Gannett Lobby


Tuesday, October 6, 5 p.m., Saha Global information presentation
Kate Clopek from Saha Global will be on campus to offer an information session on the Global Leadership Program, which offers students the opportunity to work in rural communities in Ghana on projects that empower local women to solve their villages' need for clean water and electricity. 100% of the businesses that Saha Global has launched are still in operation today. Past ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ participants will be on hand to answer questions.
Location: Palamountain 202


Monday, October 19, 6:30 p.m., Dominic Frongillo, “From Keystone to Fracking: How the Millennial Generation is Turning the Tide to a Clean and Just Energy Futureâ€
Sustainable ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ welcomes Dominic Frongillo, an environmentalist who has been internationally recognized for his work in climate change and clean energy and serves as a delegate to UN climate talks. He will talk about how young people around the world are leading successful movements for sustainability and political change.
Location: Gannett Auditorium


October—Saturday field trip to Kawing Crow Awareness Center
Students will have the opportunity to visit the Kawing Crow Awareness Center in Greenfield Center to meet founder Vince Walsh and learn about local natural and cultural history, wilderness skills, and permaculture and other sustainable living practices. The date will be announced after the start of the semester.


October—Advising meeting for students interested in environmental studies
In advance of registration for spring courses, the ES Program will hold a meeting to introduce students to the ES curriculum and answer questions about major and minor requirements and upcoming courses. ES faculty will give an overview of the program, and then students will break into small groups to discuss the different tracks of the ES major. A date and time will be announced in early October.


Tuesday, November 3, 7 p.m., Carr Lecture:  “The Sixth Extinctionâ€
Special Programs and Center for Leadership, Teaching, and Learning welcome Elizabeth Kolbert, staff writer for the New Yorker and author of several books on the history of science and climate change, including her Pulitzer Prize–winning book, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History. She will give a public lecture on Nov 3 at 7 p.m., followed by a reception and book signing.
Location: Gannett Auditorium


Monday, November 16, 7 p.m., Dr. David Seidenberg, “Gaia, Kabbalah, Panpsychism, and the Exuberance of Lifeâ€
Should we believe the Earth is alive? Kabbalah says yes, and so does the science behind Gaia theory. We will explore resonances and contrasts between these ways of thinking, and explore the Kabbalistic imagination that sees in the exuberance of life, its sheer multiplicity and diversity, the infinity and complexity of God's attributes. Understanding the world -- Earth or universe -- as ensouled, was before Descartes the normative view of the best science. How this changed, and how mysticism can bring a correction course to our science, is a fundamental question that will impact our ability to live sustainably upon the land.


Wednesday, November 18, 7 p.m., Filene Hall: Comfort Zone movie screening and discussion
Sustainable Saratoga’s Climate and Energy Committee and ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ’s Sustainability Office are showing The Comfort Zone, a film about climate change in upstate NY and what three movie-maker citizens have done about it.  The screening will be followed by a discussion led by ES Assistant Professor Kurt Smemo, Sociology Professor Rik Scarce and NYS DEC climate analyst Mark Lowery.