Nov 25, 2015

College of the Environment Climate Research Snapshot

Icebergs and sunset off the west coast of Greenland.

In advance of COP 21, we’re looking at climate change research happening closer to home—here at the University of Washington. Many ideas, viewpoints, and experiences will be represented at the negotiating table in Paris though Dec. 11, but it’s important to keep in mind that science is the starting point for all discussions related to and rooted in climate change. Scientists and researchers at the College play an important role in discovering and developing the science that leads to robust conversations about our collective next step forward.

Nov 25, 2015

2015 Climate Conference Kicks Off in Paris

The 2015 Climate Change Conference, COP 21, kicked off this week as 196 parties from across the globe convene in Paris. From Nov. 30 through Dec. 11, leaders will work to adopt the world’s first legally binding agreement to stop warming short of 2 degrees Celsius. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are a yearly event where prominent figures look at challenges and progress related to climate change.

Nov 16, 2015

Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities Lecture Video: UW's John Vidale

Surviving Disaster: A tale of three Seattle tremblors

Unlike some natural disasters that we can depend on arriving at our doorstep every year—hurricanes, tornados, fires—earthquakes can be out of sight and out of mind because of their relative infrequency. But when the Big One strikes, it could be a real catastrophe for the Pacific Northwest coast, deeply disrupting the lives and economies throughout the region. John Vidale, professor of Earth and Space Sciences and chief seismologist for the State of Washington, wants people to be aware of the threats.

Oct 27, 2015

Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities: Q&A with Team Rubicon's Jake Wood

Former Marine Jake Wood didn’t stop serving when he returned from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, he serves fellow veterans and communities in crises across the globe. Wood is the co-founder and CEO Team Rubicon, a nonprofit that works with military veterans to respond in the immediate aftermath of natural hazards—before conventional aid organizations arrive. A CEO, author, and former U.S.

Oct 23, 2015

Natural Hazards and Resilient Communities Lecture Recap: Journalist Jed Horne

Four days after Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast.

On Tuesday, October 20, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Jed Horne took the stage to discuss lessons learned and unlearned ten years after Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. Part of the Surviving Disasters: Natural Hazards & Resilient Communities series from UW College of the Environment, UW Alumni Association, and UW Graduate School, Horne focused on life in a post-apocalyptic environment.