Biology 345

Course Album

January - May 2005

Table of Contents

Group Projects: Proposals and Outcomes

Test Your Knowledge

Did you know this existed in our community?

Human Ecology Practical Tips

We Are Not Alone

An Interview with Bjorn Lomborg

Paid Internship Opportunities Abroad Related to Human Ecology & Sustainability

This Summer or Fall, Make a Difference: Live and Work in Another Culture

Our Favourite Ecologically-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

Look Around You

Living Environmentally Friendly

Can We Make a Difference?

Outdoor Class Campus Guide

Contact Information

Group Projects

First reaction (may vary): Why should I spend time giving service to my community? Well, at first you might hesitate to spend time outside of the classroom, but this experience is a valuable part of our education beyond the classroom setting. By working with other people, or on your own, you can discover things about yourself and learn from the experience. The academic world is wonderful, but so is seeing the results that resulted from the time and effort you put into your project.

“Challenge yourself, try new things…you may surprise yourself.” PROJECT COMPONENTS

1. Community Service: Scouts Canada, UBC Farm, Sprouts, University Hill Elementary 2. Research: Academic sources

Part of the community service involves TEAMWORK, and the sooner we learn how to cooperate with others, the better. It can be a rewarding experience.

The Proposals…

Green Spaces Members: Erica, Colleen, Cara TOPIC: Green Spaces in Urban areas and their role in regards to food production at a local level. Key Points: Value of Green Space as a place where native plants can be grown, sanctuary for a variety of species, biodiversity and food networks Research: - UBC Learning Exchange and University Hill Elementary - “resurrected three classroom gardens” - Learning garden- native plants - local impact of local food production/ global impact of unsustainable forestry practices Things to ponder… Use of green space human made

What is the role of green spaces in urban areas? How can land use of green spaces be incorporated with urban sprawl? To what degree can the social use of green spaces exist in a sustainable manner with the environmental use?

Food Systems (security, organic agriculture, cycles, citizen responsibility)

MEMBERS: Alina, Ben, Christina, Elsa, Jonny Topic: Food Systems and importance of becoming aware of what it takes to produce the food on a farm in an organic and sustainable manner. Global citizenship involves service to community and an awareness of how our behaviour effects the environment. KEY POINTS Only by mixing labour with knowledge can we get a holistic understanding of the work that goes into food production and the effects that follow. -Value of community service, Part of UBC Learning Exchange at the UBC Farm and citizenship - Lack of access to nutritionally adequate food for people in the downtown east side area. Food Security is access to safe food. - Organic farming beneficial for the natural environment and profitable for business - Cycles (nutrient etc.) present in Food systems Research: UBC Farm prepared land for spring planting, involved digging, raking, dirt and sunny weather. Involved in workshops cover variety of topics from Global citizenship to organic food.

Food for Thought…

Our actions impact nature and cause further effects that are intertwined on this planet Get involved with the community and find out how…

Basic necessities such as food are being produced, transported and distributed? What is the purpose of Urban Farms and how is organic produce contributing to sustainability? How much more does it take to produce organic food? What is included in the cost and benefits, who does it effect?

HUMAN CAUSES OF AIR POLLUTION Members: Brian, Kevin, Cyrus, Dan, Merryn Topic: Human causes and impacts of air pollution in the Fraser Valley. Local use of vehicles and emissions can have a global impact such as climate change. KEY POINTS - People in the Lower Mainland need to be aware of how their behaviour is causing pollution - smog is a problem during the summer and contributes to poor air quality - become aware of transportation and think of alternative methods Research: Cultus Lake weekend with Cub Scout Pack include nature walks and teach about native plants and role of trees in cleaning the air Questions to Ponder… What laws has Greater Vancouver passed to meet the Kyoto goals in regards to reducing greenhouse emissions? How does the quality of air effect agricultural yield? What is the connection between cause and effect of pollution in the Fraser Valley? Certified Organic Food MEMBERS: Erin, Amy, Meredith Topic: The process of certifying organic food and labeling products. Find out how food is produced, wages, location of production. RESEARCH: Volunteered at UBC Sprouts food store and worked on labeling organic food and doing research to find out how the food was produced and whether it is organic, and produced in a sustainable manner. Questions to ponder…. What process is used to certify organic grains and meat? How does organic food get distributed and to what markets? What products are considered to be Fair Trade and what criteria is used to determine this? Is this movement towards Organic food a trend, if so what will be the long term impacts that branch from it?

The Outcomes…

U-Hill Project Research Paper: Green Spaces in Urban Contexts by: Erica Brown Colleen O’Brien Cara Vanayan This paper describes the policies of regional, national and international bodies that relate to green spaces. The paper starts with research that defines and explains the importance of green spaces. Policies that protect green spaces in the Greater Vancouver Regional District are described in relation to why Vancouver is rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world. The research shows that green space is a priority. Green spaces balance urban life and are vital to living in Vancouver. On the national level, the research in this paper presents organizations that aim to protect and restore green spaces. The barriers that these organizations face are shown to be substantial. Citizens’ attitudes toward green spaces are examined. Solutions, such as roof top gardens, are given as ways to increase green space in urban areas. Research on the international level describes, in detail, the positions of other countries. It is made apparent that western countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK have policies that favour green spaces. As well, less developed countries such as China, Egypt and Indonesia are becoming green space aware. This paper explains attitudes and policies on green spaces and presents solutions on ways to promote them.

UBC Farm Project Research Paper: Farming Effects on the Environment by: Alina Horga Ben Mulhall Christina Mercie Elsa Sardinha Jonny Starling This paper evaluates the learning experiences taken from volunteering on the UBC Farm. Four major topics are researched and discussed: Global citizenship, food security, organic food, and nutrient cycles. The research on global citizenship focuses on how our behaviour impacts the environment. It proves the value to consider the needs of future generations. UBC involvement is also examined. The topic of food security is explained in relation to the availability of safe food. That is, food that reaches the dietary need of the poor and is accessible to them. The burden on food banks is shown in the research. Supermarket’s policies are explored in relation to the waste of discarded food. Research defines organic food. The organic certification process is explained. Research on the health and environmental benefits of organic food is explored and analysed in relation to the availability and cost of the product. The research on nutrient cycles lists the potentially harmful chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. Examples such as the nitrogen cycle and the phosphorous cycle are used to show the relationship between plants and their environment. The benefit of organic farming is reinforced. The topics of research in this paper are all tied together and relate directly to the work and learning done on the UBC Farm.

Scouts Project Research Paper: The Impact of Humans on Air Pollution in the Fraser Valley by: Brian Cheng Kevin Chernoff Cyrus Huang Dan Sarkany Merryn Sturgess The focus of this paper is on clean air. The research presented covers the sources, effects, restrictions and solutions surrounding air pollution. Air quality ratings are provided and a comparison to other regions is offered. A detailed account of the various pollutants and their sources is given. The effects of air pollution on human and plant health are described and the aesthetic effects on the region are considered. Restrictions and laws are examined with regard to permits to pollute and repercussions to violators. The research explores the ineffectiveness of current policies. Solutions to the problem of air pollution are offered. These solutions include government policies such as the GVRD’s Clean Air Strategy as well as environmental solutions such as photosynthesising phytoplankton that can act as a carbon dioxide sink. This paper cultivates an understanding of the causes and effects of air pollution. The research leads to possible solutions to the problem.

Sprouts Project Research Paper: Organic Food: Agricultural and Animal Product Issues by: Amy Brener Meredith Severin Erin Weerts The research in this paper is focused on the differences between organic and conventional food production. The response of the consumer and criticisms are explained. Organic and conventional agriculture are looked at in terms of health and environmental benefits. The research shows that mainstream agriculture takes a negative toll on the environment and provides less healthy food. Consumer response is researched and criticisms are dealt with, with the positive conclusion that the organic food sector is growing. Research on factory and organic livestock production explores the differences in moral treatment of animals, as well as health and environmental concerns. It shows that factory production of livestock runs a higher risk of pollution. The methods of production are explored and it is concluded that factory livestock suffer and are less healthy than organically produced animals. The research on the health benefits is inconclusive. The consumer response to organic meat is described but takes into account the limited supply of products. International application and acceptance is compared. This paper supplies good proof of the benefits of organically produced food and shows why it is becoming the consumer’s choice.

Test Your Knowledge

What significant human ecology event took place in each of these cities? Any idea when? Stockholm, Sweden - 1972 UN Conference on Environment - UN Environment Programme resulted

Vienna, Austria - 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer - led to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone

- In 1987, there was the Bruntland Commission “Our Common Future”

Rio De Janiero, Brazil - 1992 Earth Summit - a meeting of world leaders to agree on a sustainable development strategy

- largest-till-then meeting of world leaders that wanted something to do with a sustainable development strategy - goal: “to meet our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for future generations” - 155 countries, including Canada, signed UN Framework convention to address issues of climate change - A key agreement adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity http://www.biodiv.org/ - Goals:

(1) Conservation of biological diversity (2) Sustainable use of its components (3) Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from use of genetic resources

Kyoto, Japan - 1997 Kyoto Protocol

- 160 countries agreed to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with climate change (mainly CO2) by 6% below 1990 levels by 2012

- ratified by Canada in 2002 - came into force internationally in 2005

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Feb 2004, 7th meeting held

- priorities of meeting included protecting the biological diversity of mountain ecosystems and the role of protected areas in the preservation of biological diversity - key finding: 60% of cloud forests are in Asia - Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

Paris, France - Jan 2005 Biodiversity: Science and Government What do these acronyms stand for? What do you know about the significance of each in Human Ecology?

COSEWIC - Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

SARA - Species at Risk Act

- protects endangered species in Canada - federal and provincial governments play roles - legislated in 2003

WWF - World Wildlife Fund - protects endangered species - Tiger example in Russia – population survey being done to determine numbers

CITES - Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (and threatened species) - concerned with the import and export of endangered species (ie cacti and orchids)

GHG - Greenhouse Gas ‘calculator’ - 1 tonne challenge - http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne/calculator/english/ - can see what how much greenhouse gas you produce and suggestions for change Where in the world do each of these initiatives or projects take place? What else do you know about each? Probiotics to fight HIV/AIDS - probiotics are bacteria that is added to food - in Tanzania, bacteria is added to yogurt

Calakmul Biosphere Reserve - Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico - 150,000 ha of tropical rainforest are protected - US environmental group says this is “voluntary land from natives”

Green Roofs - big in the UK, catching on in US and Canada - rooftop gardens - MEC in Toronto has a big rooftop garden

Bike Kitchen - UBC Co-op - will fix your bike or show you how

Paper Birch – Nitrogen Cycle ‘breakthrough’ importance in forest industry - UBC and Okanagan – BC Forests

- microhyzral fungus on the roots of trees take up nutrients (N2) - can “trade” nutrients between trees and other species through the fungus on the roots

On February 15, 2005, the provincial Finance Minister, Colin Hansen, delivered the budget. What did it offer to issues important in human ecology? The provincial budget allocated money towards many different environmental projects, including: the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the Living Rivers Trust, and BC Trust Public Lands. $6.5 million is allocated to acquire more land for conservation purposes, maintain the lands we do have and fund public conservation initiatives. What is the human ecology significance of each of these? Who oversees / administers each one? Habitat Stewardship Program - part of SARA - work with community members - BC Provincial government

Habitat Conservation Fund - supports protection and restoration of wildlife and habitat in BC - BC Provincial government

Living Rivers Trust - 2002, restore major rivers - $7 million endowment - BC Provincial government

BC Trust for Public Lands - buy public property for conservation - $8 million endowment - BC Provincial government

Clean Air Fund - GHG - Canadian government

Biomass Incentives - Vancouver Landfill Project

Energuide Program - amount of electricity used, efficiency

Canadian Environmental Protection Act - pollution protection - Environment Canada

Power Smart Initiative - tips for consumers - BC Hydro

Did You Know This Existed in Our Community?

UBC Farm Summer Markets The UBC farm provides a model for integrating sustainable land management and food production practices with the help of student influenced research, education, and community involvement. In order to increase the awareness of urban agricultural ecosystems, community members were encouraged to take a ‘hands on’ approach to farming, and in doing so, contributed towards the ecological, economical, and social health of our surrounding community. In May the Market opens up to the public and the Farm springs to life. This is their busiest time and they need lots of helping hands. Check out http://www.agsci.ubc.ca/ubcfarm/proj_mkt.php to find more information about volunteering!

Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Society

The Mountain View breeding is the modern-day Noah’s Ark situated just a stones throw away in Langley, BC. Featured on the Discovery Channel, Mountain View’s claim to fame is in its dedicated mission to maintain the genetic and phenotypic viability of critically endangered species to enable future animal releases back into the wild. At present, the animal collection at Mountain View contains 49 species and 224 specimens. The center specializes in endangered exotic cats and endangered hoof stock. Another major focus at Mountain View will be endangered Canadian species, and our participation in the Vancouver Island marmot recovery program is the beginning of this endeavor. Mountain View accomplishes this by breeding and housing the species in natural surroundings and by feeding diets closely related to those found in the wild. This ensures the mental and physical condition of the animal is maximized to enable future successful releases back into their natural wild habits. Great tours are offered! Check it out at http://www.mtnviewfarms.com/f.html. Cook Studio Long-term unemployed residents of the Downtown Eastside are getting more opportunities to get into the workforce thanks to James Kennedy and his Cook Studio. Thanks to a growing reputation for well-priced gourmet food, groups of local Downtown Eastside residents eat side-by-side with police officers and judges from the nearby courthouse. (http://www.bctsvp.org/enterprise/Default.asp?ID=2&action=a) CAN: The Cooperative Auto Network CAN is a car sharing organization, so that you do not need to own a car- you can use other methods of transportation and when there are a few occasions where you need a car there is one for you to use. “People wishing to save money on their transportation costs join a co-op to jointly own vehicles with others. Members pay a small monthly administration fee to cover some of the fixed costs of the car and when they use a car, they pay low fees for it by the hour and by the kilometer.” Check it out at http://www.cooperativeauto.net/.

Community Gardens Community gardens are plots of land shared by a group of people for growing. These gardens are often found in urban areas whose land were previously brown-field sites. Brown-field areas are often old industrial areas, or other such urban locations that are under-used and in need of revitalization. In this way, the community gardens along the Arbutus corridor moved in and revitalized the unused railway allowance, which up until then, routinely received

pesticide applications Another well-known community initiative is the Strathcona gardens and the community garden at Trimble Park in West Point Grey. For human ecology, community gardens act as viable partners in the fight to ensure food security. Community gardens provide residents or gardeners with access to fresh produce, and it is usually organic. Food security initiatives like these are very basic yet highly effective for bringing the community together in a participatory initiative which fosters a greater sense of community and encourages an appreciation for healthy green spaces. Walk around your neighbourhood, you might just stumble across a community garden. If you live in an apartment building or rental property that does not afford a space to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs then check out www.cityfarmer.org for more information on a community garden near you. They have very helpful composting tips too!

“Greenways are paths designed for pedestrians and cyclists that enhance the walking and riding experience and provide different ways to move through the city”. The City Greenways Program includes a network of 14 routes extending 140 km. Local Neighbourhood Greenways have been established throughout various communities, including new cycling routes at Georgia, Kent Avenue, Pacific Boulevard, and the Inverness connection to the Knight Street Bridge. Check out http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/sustainability/initiatives.htm#Environment for more information about this and other initiatives

Vancouver Community Network and Community Access Programs (CAP) Youth interns work in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver helping the disadvantaged residents in the area. CAP Youth Initiative Program is designed to give young people across Canada an opportunity to learn about computers and Internet technology, and share their knowledge with people at CAP funded sites. The Interns come from many different political, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds, as well as life experiences and have been inspired by the places and the people of the Downtown East Side. Check out http://cap.vcn.bc.ca/ for information on how to get involved!

Human Ecology Practical Tips

What are some ways we can, as individuals make a difference? Shopping: Choose low or no packaging Buy organic or local produce Bring your own shopping bags Support local businesses In our homes: Compost Recycle Turn off lights/appliances when not in use Weather proof the house (block drafts etc.) Vegetable garden/plants At work/school: Use paper with high-recycled content Avoid using all the Styrofoam products in the SUB Cafeteria Bring your own mug for coffee/tea Pack your own lunch in reusable plastic containers Purchase fair trade/organic items whenever possible Transportation: Walk/bike/bus when able On vacation: Bring toiletries from home (e.g. Toothbrush, shampoo) Only join tour groups that are eco-friendly (your money talks to locals) Learn no trace camping

We are not alone

Biodiversity. Humans as part of a complex system. Perceptions of other organisms. Humans are part of a complex system which includes the interactions with other organisms. Humans interact with the environment and are affected by the actions of other organisms in a wide variety of ways. If we do not take care of our environment, it is possible for our interactions with biodiversity to have adverse effects on humans. For example, seagulls are a type of bird which may have seemingly very little effect on humans. However, their fecal matter can be found in water supply causing salmonella. This would cause adverse effects on our health, if we drank that water. When water is unsafe or unclean, it can lead to all kinds of sicknesses. In fact, approximately 5,000,000 people have died as a result of water-related diseases. Also, with respect to water, there is the world water forum which has debates over whether water is a public or private resource. People have debated whether water is a resource which should be controlled by states or companies, as with the production of oil or diamonds. This would cause habitat systems to run with profits in mind. As water is essential for survival, it is paramount that water be made available to everyone at minimal cost. As the developing world struggles for survival, genetically modified foods can now provide a new way to maximize the benefits to crops in resisting viruses that could otherwise decimate an entire harvest. However, genetically modified foods are not without their risks. Genetically modified foods remain extremely controversial in terms of health and safety. Food is not the only modified organism. The technology now exists to modify animals as well. There are also other allergy related genes which could be modified. Genes also play another important role – the role of increasing or decreasing biodiversity. Genetic drift is a type of evolutionary process whereby genetic variation is reduced. If genetic variation is reduced it may eventually lead to a decrease in biodiversity, which may have an impact on human lives, as a result of the interconnectivity of all living things. Another important biological process is bioaccumulation, whereby chemicals can affect living things by accumulating inside them. This has an important effect on humans as there are many potential adverse effects of chemical exposure which in turn affect how we consider the regulation of chemicals. Humans are also affected by the amount of wildlife in a city. There are many species such as birds, which actually thrive in cities more so than in a natural habitat. This also changes the way in which humans react to different organisms. As different plant or animal species are found in cities, they come closer to human contact, leading humans to take particular actions to protect themselves or to accommodate the new species. For example, as birds become more prevalent in the cities, more people build screens on their attics to prevent birds from entering. Urban creeks also create more wildlife in cities. Urban creeks may; however, also cause the transportation of pollution, thus leading to, as mentioned above, bioaccumulation. The transportation of pollution affects humans in important ways. Pollution destroys the environment not only by endangering organisms, but also causing climate change, such as global warming. Global warming is a very real prospect. The Kyoto Protocol has been ratified by 180 nations to reduce greenhouse gases which cause global climate change which has the potential to affect all forms of life. Humans are not alone in this world, and if we are to survive, it is necessary to protect all forms of life and ensure a sustainable life, because all forms of life are increasingly inter-connected and dependent on one another.

An Interview with Bjorn Lomborg This is my creative summary for the book The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the Real State of the World, by Bjorn Lomborg of the Department of Political Science at the University of Aarhus in Denmark. It is a fictional interview with the author. After having read his book and researched the opinion and the criticisms made by other environmental scientists, I believe an interview might go something like this. Cara Vanayan: I’ve invited Bjorn Lomborg, associate professor of Statistics in the Department of Political Science at the University of Aarhus in Denmark today, to talk about his book The Skeptical Environmentalist in which he refutes claims by the environmental community that the population is growing, leaving less and less to eat, that forests are disappearing, and species are rapidly becoming extinct. Welcome Bjorn Lomborg. Bjorn Lomborg: Thank you, glad to be here. CV: Bjorn Lomborg, you are a professor of Statistics. What led you to write a book challenging the claims of environmentalists regarding the state of the world? BL: As a former Greenpeace member, the question of the environment and the state of the world has always interested me. The idea for the book originally came to me as I read an interview in a magazine with American economist, Julian Simon who claimed that the state of the world is not as bad as environmentalists claim and that this notion that the environment is getting significantly worse is based on poor statistics and preconceptions. I was intrigued. As a professor of statistics I felt it would be easy for me to check his claims based entirely on official statistics. To my surprise, I found that his claims were on the whole quite accurate. I began to research this subject more in depth, writing articles on the subject. It caused quite a lot of debate in Denmark, which led me to write a book in Denmark and then later led me to write the English version of The Skeptical Environmentalist. CV: You are not an environmental scientist and have no real background in the field. What is the basis of your argument that the world is getting better? BL: Well, most environmental scientists typically ask the question what is the problem. This is fine. This is what scientists are supposed to do. However, as someone who studies statistics and political science, I ask a different question from a different point of view. I ask, based on statistical information, what is the real state of the world? Is the world actually improving or is it, as environmentalists claim, rapidly getting worse. Once it is established with statistical research that the world is actually getting a little better, it then becomes necessary to ask, from a political science perspective, of all the problems that remain, which ones are the most important to address. There are thousands of problems in the world today, how will we best devote our resources. How will we be able to make the greatest impact? If the amount of destruction to the environment is very minimal and much slower than was previously thought, perhaps we can take our limited resource of money, and devote it to feeding the children going hungry in the developing world, or in developing their economy, which will in turn bring them up to the level of the developed world and will thus allow them at that point, to concentrate on issues such as the environment which were not major issues for them before. We need to prioritize. With limited resources we need to look at where we can make the most positive impact, and act accordingly.

CV: Your book has caused a lot of controversy. Some of the leading authorities on the subject find your book to be inconsistent, at times inaccurate, and guilty of the very flaws which you yourself criticize. How do you feel about that? BL: I guess I’m glad for the debate. The whole purpose of my book is to get to the truth, the facts. If this causes some people to think twice about their claims then that is a good thing. However, I am not arguing that there is nothing wrong with the state of the world. On the contrary, I argue that there is still much that needs to be done. All I am saying is that we need to prioritize. I am not questioning, for example, the fact that global warming is a reality. What I am arguing is that the cost of fixing this problem is immense, and it is debatable how much of an effect the solution to the problem will really have. The Kyoto Protocol will likely only delay global warming by a few years in nearly 200 years. If it will happen anyways, and it will only be delayed by a few years, I would argue that it is not worth the millions of dollars that we will spend. I would argue that this money is better spent in other ways. The amount of money spent on one year of Kyoto, is equivalent to solving the single biggest problem in the world – giving clean drinking water and sanitation to every human being on the earth. CV: Well, on that note, I’d like to bring the discussion to a close. Thank you so much for being here today. I’ve been speaking with Bjorn Lomborg, associate professor of Statistics in the Department of Political Science at the University of Aarhus of Denmark. Thanks very much. BL: Thank you, it was a pleasure.

Paid Internship Opportunities Abroad Related to Human Ecology & Sustainability

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/cida_ind.nsf -IYIP is an employment program for young Canadians between the ages of 19-30. -Offers post-secondary graduates the chance of a lifetime to gain international development work experience. -The program is part of the Career Focus stream of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES) which gives young people the tools and experience they need to launch successful careers. -Goals: make young people aware of global issues and encourage them to contribute to international cooperation. Internship i.e. Agribusiness Research assistant in Kenya, Agricultural Educator in Honduras, Advice Center Office (HIV) in South Africa

Youth on the Move Internships http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/youth/ -thinking of working, studying, or visiting abroad? -this site is dedicated to helping young Canadians looking for adventure and experience find what they’re looking for. Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) http://www.cfa-fca.ca, questions: dorothypoole@sympatico.ca -Will coordinate placements with agricultural organizations in France, Italy, Zambia, New Zealand and the United States. -Participants may be engaged in agricultural policy development, economics, trade liberalization, conservation and resource management, or information technology and communications. -Candidates will have a degree or college diploma in agriculture or a related field.

Environmental Youth Alliance http://www.eya.ca, questions: karun@eya.ca -Will organize placements in consumer organizations in Hungary, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. -Participants will work on sustainable procurements, research environmental markets, and compile case studies of 'green' procurement. Participants will have backgrounds in business, commerce, environmental studies or resource management.

Falls Brook Centre http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca, questions: ms@fallsbrookcentre.ca -Will implement placements in Germany and the United Kingdom with international organizations in the fields of agriculture, forestry policy development, organic agriculture and forestry certification. -Participants will work in the areas of corporate social responsibility, international trade and the environment. Participants will typically have graduated from business, political science or technical programs. International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) http://www.iisd.org/interns/, questions: cbuckler@iisd.ca -Will place participants with partner organizations in Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the United States. -Placements focus on trade and the environment, environmental security, climate change, business and sustainable development, or capacity building. -Candidates will have a university degree and an interest in sustainable development.

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers www.btcv.org, 011-44-1491-821-600 -Volunteer or paid employment in the UK -BTCV is the UK’s leading charity creating better environments where people feel valued, included and involved -BTCV works with and provides accredited training to over 10,000 unemployed individuals.

This Summer or Fall, Make a Difference: Live and Work in Another Culture

Volunteer Service Programs

CUSO - Canadian-based international development organization and one of the leading volunteer-sending organizations in the country. They work with partner groups and individuals seeking to foster equality and freedom, safeguard cultures and communities, and protect the environment. -2yr professional postings or short-term internships -Agriculture, capacity building, human rights, community development, forestry, environment, gender, technology www.cuso.org 1-888-434-CUSO (2876)

Cross-Cultural Solutions: An International Volunteer Program -2-12 weeks year round -Work side-by side with local people on locally designed and driven projects—see the country through the eyes of its people. -Programs available in: Brazil, Ghana, Russia, China, Thailand, Costa Rica, Peru, and Tanzania www.crossculturalsolutions.org , Info@crossculturalsolutions.org, 1-800-380-4777

WorldTeach -Summer, 6months, or 1 year -Participate in a WorldTeach program, and serve and learn in a host community through a volunteer teaching position. -Programs available in: China, India, Nambia, Costa Rica, Marshall Islands, Poland, Ecuador, Mexico, Tuvalu www.worldteach.org, info@worldteach.org, 1-800-4-TEACH-0

Visions in Action -Volunteers in International Development in Mexico, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Burkina Faso. -Human rights, health, refugee relief, youth, media, environment, and more

The International Partnership for Service Learning -semester, summer, year, or 3-week session for academic credit in: Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, India, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, -Academic study abroad & volunteer service www.ipsl.org

“Look around you” - Observations of our Natural World and Ecosystems.

Urban Streams:

• Vancouver used to have 50 salmon and Trout spawning streams.

• All but 2 have been buried or extensively altered. • Spanish Banks creek was daylighted, and when fry were

released, they returned to spawn.

Artificial Lighting:

• Creates light pollution. • Wetland areas, such as greater Vancouver, are more

susceptible to “night glow”. Bears in Vancouver:

• Becomes problem when garbage is left out. • Education, Legislation, and Bear Smart Communities

can help decrease this problem. Pesticide use:

• Children are more susceptible due to proximity to ground and their behaviors.

• Developing countries still use banned pesticides. Organic Farming:

• Helps protect native species and biodiversity. Forests:

• Helpful in combating global warming. • Provides habitat for plants and animals.

Controlled Forest Fires:

• Used to prevent more intense fires in the future. • Helps promote nutrient cycling and biodiversity.

Living Environmentally FriendlyBuy only returnable bottles

Reduce the amount of plastic and foam packaging you bring home

Never litter

Buy products made from recycled material

Reuse plastic bags when you can’t avoid using them

Turn off lights and computer when not in use

Use both sides of paper

Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk to school

Eat vegetarian, organic and locally produced food

Buy only what you need

1

Can we make a difference?

Collaborative effortsGood news stories

Kyoto Protocol

• good examples of countries co-operating to change for the better

• BUT, will it really help – US, China, India, etc. did not sign

2

Landfills, compostingBenefits• Diversion of organics

from landfills• Reduced cost of waste

collection and disposal• Reduced greenhouse gas

production at landfills/feedlots

• Composting → methane gas for fuel

Organic FoodsPrinciple goal: to develop

productive enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.

Buying organic beef• don’t feed cows to cows• quality over quantity

3

Smog / Air QualityGO GREEN!!ONE-TONNE

CHALLENGE• through the Air

Management plan, annual emissions of common air pollutants were reduced by 38%

• particulate matter –environmental accountability for large companies → we must move FORWARD not backward

What can I do?-walk -bus-cycle -carpool

S.A.R.A. - Species At Risk Act• 73 species protected

under S.A.R.A.• recovery work for species

that have been designated as extirpated, endangered or threatened

• Since 2000, the Government of Canada has invested over $135 million to support species protection

Vancouver Island Marmot

4

Fair TradeMain Principles of Fair

Trade• a fair price to both the

producer and consumer• purchasing directly from

producers• an improved work environment• a holistic approach• community development• public accountabilityPopularity of “organic” and

fair trade increasing the buying power of market

Outdoor Class Campus GuideOutdoor Class Campus Guide

UBC Biology 345UBC Biology 345

UBC Endowment Lands MapUBC Endowment Lands Map

Start at Biological Sciences BuildingStart at Biological Sciences Building

•• This is not one of the greenest places but it is a This is not one of the greenest places but it is a great place to learn about biodiversity, group great place to learn about biodiversity, group work, and human ecology.work, and human ecology.

Walking south east: Walking south east: fairviewfairview grovegrove

•• TREES: oak, red alder, western red cedar, broad TREES: oak, red alder, western red cedar, broad leaf maple, leaf maple, douglasdouglas fir * most trees are marked fir * most trees are marked with metal tag that dates its historywith metal tag that dates its history

•• BIRDS: bush tits & chickadeesBIRDS: bush tits & chickadees

heritage barn building heritage barn building

•• HABITAT: barn owlsHABITAT: barn owls•• HUMANS: human coffee shopHUMANS: human coffee shop

Behind the barn: garbage dumpster Behind the barn: garbage dumpster

•• As art: they are painted to increase consciousness As art: they are painted to increase consciousness garbage disposalgarbage disposal

•• These “DUMPSTARS” are recycling in action... these These “DUMPSTARS” are recycling in action... these people are significant contributors to the campus people are significant contributors to the campus reduction of wastereduction of waste

Walking north west…Walking north west…

•• Warm area of cold Warm area of cold sunny day: soothing sunny day: soothing lavender gardens & lavender gardens & local native artlocal native art

•• Lodge pole pine: Lodge pole pine: Native speciesNative species

Walking north west…Walking north west…

•• Warm area of cold Warm area of cold sunny day: soothing sunny day: soothing lavender gardens & lavender gardens & local native artlocal native art

•• Lodge pole pine: Lodge pole pine: Native speciesNative species

Walking behind ‘99 chairs’ cafeWalking behind ‘99 chairs’ cafe

•• Bamboo:Bamboo:invasive noninvasive non--native native speciesspecies

•• Cherry Tree: Cherry Tree: middle tree is 1st to middle tree is 1st to bloom on campus bloom on campus ((allreadyallready past prime)past prime)

Walking along Lower MallWalking along Lower Mall

•• Monkey Tree:Monkey Tree:NonNon--native speciesnative speciesof old botanical of old botanical gardensgardens

•• Juniper:Juniper:Gin is made from this Gin is made from this (Mr. Alice Cassidy drink (Mr. Alice Cassidy drink is a classic martini... is a classic martini... shaken not stirred.shaken not stirred.

In the shade look downIn the shade look down

•• neglected ditch behind neglected ditch behind parkadeparkade of of AsainAsain center center shows chemical runoff from road on a wet dayshows chemical runoff from road on a wet day

Walk slower and look up, way up…Walk slower and look up, way up…

•• Tall trees home to Tall trees home to Great horn owl... Great horn owl... Evidence of fecal Evidence of fecal matter and owl pellet matter and owl pellet ((undigestiblesundigestibles))

•• old growth tree stump old growth tree stump nursing new tressnursing new tress

The final stretch, lots of green!The final stretch, lots of green!

•• Feathery Hemlock & bicycle rack.... Feathery Hemlock & bicycle rack.... environmentally friendly transportationenvironmentally friendly transportation

•• Tree closeTree close--up.... looksup.... looks--shiny, touchshiny, touch--soft, smellsoft, smell--hemlockyhemlocky, taste (don't try it!), taste (don't try it!)

Walk East, fast past this one!Walk East, fast past this one!

•• scotch broom:scotch broom:very invasive very invasive non native non native blooming flower bush blooming flower bush & & an allergyan allergy--suffers suffers enemy enemy

Go west off lower mall Go west off lower mall

•• Waterfall: uses Waterfall: uses recirculatedrecirculated water (its water (its in off season)in off season)

•• First Nations Fire pit: First Nations Fire pit: use for local events & use for local events & center of old UBC center of old UBC Botanical gardens Botanical gardens

Museum of AnthropologyMuseum of Anthropology

•• natural unrefined natural unrefined materials: shells, gravel, materials: shells, gravel, sand, rocks, drift wood fill sand, rocks, drift wood fill the depression…. that the depression…. that originally was Arthur originally was Arthur EricsonEricson vision as a vision as a reflection pool to reflection pool to complement glass face.complement glass face.

•• Amazing view & is ideal Amazing view & is ideal for quiet study or just for quiet study or just relaxation (Brian)relaxation (Brian)

Walk north to cliff Walk north to cliff ersosionersosion ‘BERMS‘BERMS

•• BermBerm is Prevention measure implemented up to is Prevention measure implemented up to the TREK house.... note: grating in road to the TREK house.... note: grating in road to collect water run off from community above collect water run off from community above

Stop…Stop…prevention of surface erosion…prevention of surface erosion…

look westlook west

•• beside Green College beside Green College ashphaltashphalt paving of paving of clliffclliffedge, also use cement barrier and black berry edge, also use cement barrier and black berry bushsbushs (non native invasive plant) to maintain (non native invasive plant) to maintain shape of shoreshape of shore

Last stop… Last stop… UBC’sUBC’s clothing optional clothing optional beach offers a raw interaction with beach offers a raw interaction with the many parts of the environment the many parts of the environment

•• This happens everyday in the summer, but in January it This happens everyday in the summer, but in January it usually only happens at the annual Polar Bear Swimusually only happens at the annual Polar Bear Swim

•• I like I like chillinchillin down at wreck beach every now and then down at wreck beach every now and then and catching the sunset.and catching the sunset. It's nice to toss a Frisbee It's nice to toss a Frisbee around at the end of a week…I haven't tried the naked around at the end of a week…I haven't tried the naked stuff though. (stuff though. (JonnyJonny) )

This is a snap shot at 8pm rather This is a snap shot at 8pm rather than the 9:30 am start to classthan the 9:30 am start to class

•• My favorite spot on campus is Tower Beach/Spanish My favorite spot on campus is Tower Beach/Spanish Banks because I love the ocean. When I go there, I like Banks because I love the ocean. When I go there, I like to flip rocks and pick up little baby crabs. Or I just like to to flip rocks and pick up little baby crabs. Or I just like to sit there and enjoy the water. (Christine)sit there and enjoy the water. (Christine)

•• I like to go down to watch the sunset. (Colleen) I like to go down to watch the sunset. (Colleen)

Go here alone:Go here alone:

•• my my favouritefavourite place on place on campus is the campus is the botanical gardens, botanical gardens, and I go there and I go there periodically, because periodically, because during different during different months it's a different months it's a different experience. experience. (Meredith)(Meredith)

When you have nowhere else to When you have nowhere else to go…go…

•• My favorite spot is the view point overlooking My favorite spot is the view point overlooking the rose gardens towards Bowen Island and the rose gardens towards Bowen Island and Howe Sound (Dan)Howe Sound (Dan)

But when the bad weather comes…But when the bad weather comes…

Go to the forestry sciences building for a natural Go to the forestry sciences building for a natural experience indoors!experience indoors!

Natural wood finish inside is warm and sunny. Natural wood finish inside is warm and sunny. It reflects “humans’ interaction with their environment”It reflects “humans’ interaction with their environment”and the comfy coaches great for naps! (Erica)and the comfy coaches great for naps! (Erica)

Contact Information Alice L.E.V. Cassidy Email: alice.Cassidy@ubc.ca Hometown: born in Halifax, grew up in Victoria Faculty: Science * has been across Canada 14 times! Amy Brener Email: amybrener@yahoo.ca Hometown: Victoria Faculty: Visual Arts * Nature is a haunted house, but art a house that tries to be haunted. Erica Ashley Brown Email: jellybeanzees@hotmail.com Hometown: Delta, BC Faculty: Human Kinetics (education)

* Wherever your life ends, it is all there. The advantage of living is not measured by length, but by use; some men have lived long, and lived little; attend to it while you are in it. It lies in your will, not the number of years, for you to have lived enough. -Montaigne

Brian Cheng Email: briancheng@telus.net Hometown: Vancouver, BC Faculty: Science Major: Integrated Sciences Minor: Arts (English) * enjoys candlelit dinners and long walks on the beach ☺ Emily Dickinson Alina Horga

Email: alinah@interchange.ubc.ca Hometown: Pitt Meadows Faculty: Arts * Life is all about Passion. Feel it, live it, work for it and be your potential.

Christina Mercier Email: christina_mercier@hotmail.com Hometown: Kamloops, B.C. Faculty: Commerce and Business Administration Ben Mulhall

Email: justmulhall@yahoo.com Hometown: born and raised in Vancouver proper Faculty: unclassified * I've never spent so much time in class thinking of the birds and the bees.

Colleen O’Brien Email: colleen_emma@hotmail.com Hometown: Mission, BC Faculty: right now, Arts, but switching into GRS (Global Resource Systems) * I was born in Papua New Guinea

Dan Sarkany Email: dansarkany@yahoo.ca Hometown: West Vancouver, BC Faculty: Human Kinetics * loves any activity that is outdoors Meredith Severin Email: meredithseverin@hotmail.com Hometown: Bancroft, Ontario (the mineral capital of North America!) Faculty: RMES (resource management and environmental studies) Jonathan Starling Email: jonnystarling@hotmail.com Hometown: grew up in Oyama (between Kelowna and Vernon), on an orchard/animal farm Faculty: Human Kinetics - exercise science, year 3 * I did my first two years at Selkirk College in the Kootenays, and had a blast!

Merryn Sturgess Email: merryn_s@hotmail.com Hometown: Vancouver, BC Faculty: Human Kinetics Cara Vanayan Email: cvanayan@interchange.ubc.ca Hometown: Coquitlam (but born in Ottawa) Faculty: Political Science * I'm of Armenian origin Erin Weerts Email: nirehall@hotmail.com Hometown: Clearwater, BC Faculty: Arts (Psychology) * graduating this year