In a collaborative effort between researchers at UBC Forestry, BC Ministry of Forests, and the College of the Environment’s School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, particularly Ivan Eastin, this Thursday kicks off a graduate student research symposium in Vancouver titled “Future Forestry Leaders“. This year is the UN International Year of Forests, and the symposium will focus on the importance of forests for our lives and livelihoods. 

History is replete with disbelievers of science. However, we need to heed science and chart a new course in cleaning up Puget Sound, says Ron Sims, recent appointee to the Leadership Council and former King County executive. Urban stormwater runoff, rather than sewer overflows, is the big problem. Read more here. 

Experts agree it’s not a matter of if but when the Pacific Northwest is rocked by an enormous earthquake, but new information shows that the “big one” could be even bigger and badder than first thought. Bill Steele, seismology lab coordinator, is quoted. 

Climate warming caused by greenhouse gases is very likely to increase summer temperature variability around the world by the end of this century, new UW research shows. The findings have major implications for food production.  David Battisti, professor of atmospheric sciences, led the research efforts.  Read more here. 

Crosscut profiles the Witt Winter Garden in the Washington Park Arboretum and Coenosium Rock Garden at the South Seattle Community College Arboretum, both great mid-winter garden destinations.  Read more here.