Saturn’s moon Tethys with its prominent Odysseus Crater silently slips behind Saturn’s largest moon Titan. (Photo/NASA)
At the 2009 and 2010 annual global talks on issues surrounding climate change, sponsored by the United Nations, developing nations were promised billions of dollars for climate change adaptation measures and to make their energy systems less-carbon intensive. How was this promise handled — was the money ever granted, or used for the intended purposes? A seminar held on CU Boulder’s campus this week will discuss the critical issue of climate finance.
Other events in Boulder this week will focus on the state of environmental law and how the unique chemistry of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, may provide clues for the origin of life on the universe. On Wednesday, Novelist Kent Haruf will receive the Wallace Stegner Award, the Center of the American West’s highest honor.
“Beauty In Environmental Law: An Earth Day Reflection on the State of Environmental Policy,” hosted by the Environmental Law Society. April 23.
What? Join the student-run Environmental Law Society for a reflection on the current state of environmental law. Panelists include Sarah Dawn Haynes, program assistant at CU-Boulder’s Environmental Center; Maki Iatridis, partner at Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti LLP; Derek Passarelli, chief counsel at the United States Department of Energy; Tyson Powell, attorney at the United States Department of Interior Office of the Solicitor; and Charles Wilkinson, university professor of law at CU Boulder’s Law School and Moses Lasky professor of law. The first hour will be closed to discussion between panelists. At 6:30 discussion will be open to the audience for questions. Refreshments will be provided.
Where? CU Boulder, Wolf Law Building, Room 204. Map
Time? 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cost? Free
Website
“Astrobiology Seminar: Titan,” hosted by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). April 25.
What? Dr. David Grinspoon, curator of Astrobiology in the Department of Space Sciences at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and adjunct professor of astrophysical & planetary science at CU Boulder, will lead the seminar. Grinspoon serves as an advisor to NASA on space-exploration strategy for studying the evolution of Earth-like planets elsewhere in the universe. Serving as the co–investigator of the NASA Astrobiology Institute’s Titan Team, Grinspoon studies the organic chemistry on Titan and it’s implications for the origin and evolution of life in the universe.
Where? LASP Space Technology Building (LSTB)-299, Auditorium. Map and directions.
Time? 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost? Free
Website
“Collaborative Resilience: Managing $30 Billion for Sustainability,” hosted by CU Boulder’s Environmental Studies Program (ENVS). April 25
What? In Copenhagen 2009 and Cancun 2010, developing countries were promised financial assistance for adapting to climate change and making a transition to lower-carbon energy systems. For the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, $30 billion was promised. This number was to scale up to $100 billion per year by 2020. However, no system was put in place to ensure these financial promises would be kept, or that the funds would be used for their intended purposes. Various agencies handling present funds have yet to establish a common system for governing the funds. This talk lays out the problem and some forward directions for the crucial issue of climate finance. Professor J. Timmons Roberts, director of the Center for Environmental Studies and professor of sociology and environmental studies at Brown University, will discuss how improvements are imperative for managing these climate funds for sustainability, both in the environmental sense and for building trust on both sides of the North-South divide.
Where? CIRES auditorium, CU Boulder. Map
Time? Reception begins at 3:30 p.m. Talk begins at 4:00 p.m.
Cost? Free
Website
“Kent Haruf: 2012 Wallace Stegner Award Recipient,” hosted by the Center of the American West. April 25.
What? Novelist Kent Haruf will receive the Wallace Stegner Award, the Center of the American West’s highest honor. The award is presented to an individual who has made a sustained contribution to the cultural identity of the West through literature, art, history, lore, or an understanding of the West. Haruf grew up in eastern Colorado, where his novels are set. His works have won numerous awards and include “Puerto del Sol,” “Eventide,” “Plainsong” and “The Tie That Binds.”
Where? CU Boulder, Wittemyer Courtroom. Map
Time? 7:00 p.m.
Cost? Free
Website
