Center for the Environment E-newsletter May 2006
New Sustainability Institute to promote positive change in the region
The Center for the Environment announced March 30 that it will advance the regional movement toward sustainability through the creation of an innovative multi-year Sustainable Communities Leadership Institute. This uncommon effort will stimulate creative approaches to regional environmental issues.
Launched with an initial $50,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation, the institute is scheduled to begin in the fall. It will educate communities about the powers of conservation and sustainability and train leaders to promote positive change in their own communities.
The institute is designed to help participants gain a deeper understanding of specific issues related to sustainability, including barriers to sustainable progress. It will also help participants develop potential solutions to these challenges through hands-on experiences.
Center grows from ‘seedling of idea’ to organization with far-reaching influence
“In the past decade, the Center [for the Environment] has grown from the seedling of an idea to a multi-branched entity whose reach and influence extend far beyond Rowan,” Chris Verner wrote in the April 23, 2006, issue of the Salisbury Post.
“…The key question [is] how do you develop communities that are sustainable – that promote economic vibrancy and support an increasing number of people while maintaining a healthy environment and preserving an identity that goes beyond zip codes and demographic statistics?
“Reducing the footprint – stewarding natural resources, preserving greenspace and encouraging more compact development – is vital as communities grow, [Center Director John Wear] says.”
Ecosystem services transcript goes global
What are the economic and health-related services that are provided by a tree canopy within a community? How do you calculate that and of what importance is it?
These are questions Center Director John Wear addresses in his March 8 interview with ‘Earth & Sky,” a syndicated science radio program that is broadcast globally on 1,000 radio stations and has 10 million weekly listeners. The transcript of his interview was recently posted on the program’s web site.
Message to region: Sustainability is important
The importance of sustainability received regional attention when Dr. John Wear’s Earth Day column appeared in area newspapers.
“We frequently try to save money so we can leave our children and grandchildren an inheritance,” he wrote, “but we don’t often think about what kind of place we’re leaving them….What state will the earth be in when they are in their 50s and 60s and 70s?”
Developing alternative sources can help region meet federal standards
The Charlotte Observer, reporting on the Center for the Environment’s Clean Air Conference March 22, noted that “developing new energy sources can help clean North Carolina’s air.”
Reporter Bruce Henderson quoted speaker Larry Shirley, director of the State Office of Energy: “We’ve barely scratched the surface” in energy efficiency and the use of alternative-energy sources.…“What we do about energy is completely connected” to meeting federal air-quality standards.
Business & environmental collaboration key to sustainable future
Bringing the business and environmental worlds together to promote a sustainable future was a popular topic at the Center for the Environment’s Sustainability Conference during its regional Earth Day/10th Anniversary Celebration.
Michael Shore of Environmental Defense and Tim Tobin, CEO of Carolina Green Energy, urged collaboration between business leaders and environmental advocates. Noting that North Carolina has “the cleanest power plant standards in the nation,” Shore and Tobin turned to the challenge the state faces as a result of global warming. Both serve on the newly established N.C. Global Warming Commission.
Developing solutions to the region’s pressing environmental problems
Spearheading initiatives that address the region’s environmental challenges has been one of the hallmarks of the Center for the Environment’s 10-year history.
Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz credits the Center for helping local government officials become more aware of the importance of sustainability. “[The Center has] had a tremendous impact and…is one of our greatest assets,” she said.
Become a champion
Become a champion of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Join the ever-increasing network of individuals who have expressed an interest in creating a sustainable future and supporting the Center and its mission.
As a Friend of the Center, you will receive advance notice of all events, invitations to lectures, workshops and special excursions, and information about environmental issues that face our community and our region.
We invite your partnership. You can join now by visiting our web site, www.centerfortheenvironment.com/support.asp. Or you may join by mail: Catawba College Center for the Environment, 2300 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
--Margaret Mead