Vox Limax: UCSC Talks About the Weather

This winter has highlighted the consequences of extreme weather events. Through January and February we saw rain-induced landslides cover Highway 17 multiple times and the near-collapse of the Oroville dam. Climate scientists predict that California will see more extremely hot days and an overall temperature increase of 1-2ºC (2-4ºF) over the next 50 years. Northern California is predicted to see more precipitation, but as rain instead of snow (Pan et al., 2010 – DOI 10.1007/s00382-010-0961-5). In all, California is becoming increasingly vulnerable to deadly heatwaves, flooding, and water scarcity.

So this week we ask for your stories:

 How has an extreme weather event, or the consequences of one, impacted your life?

"I got stuck on Highway 17 for seven hours and had to camp out in a turnout." – Amelia (Environmental Studies)

"I live on a houseboat out near Tiburon and it got detached from the dock and we floated out into the bay.  The houseboat is attached to mooring piles.  The piling popped out because the wind and current were so strong.  Because that wasn't holding us, all of our sewage, water, and electricity lines shredded.  Crashed into some other houseboats.  The fire department came out and tried to wrap us around a tree.  I haven't been able to access my house for a week." – Fran (university contractor)

"My grandma has a house in Cagel Canyon. I was staying there and had to evacuate because there was a fire (LA is always on fire). The fire was over the ridge and it was raining ash. My car was covered in ash (it was pretty legit).  I had to pack up all my shit because my grandma was concerned that the house might burn down." – Sarah (Theater Arts)












"I have a house in Bolder Creek. We got a call two weeks ago from our neighbor who was like 'You're deck is falling into Bear Creek.' My dad came down from San Francisco with a circular saw to cut off the deck. It was gone by the time he got there, so we just left and went back home. We hired contractors to come out and discovered that the entire foundation of the house was gone. So now we're paying $50,000 to have the house anchored to the mountain."
 – Sophie (Environmental Studies)

"I ended up getting an internship with CalPIRG so I had to run the pledge drive during the storm... which was fun." – Anonymous

"In the past couple of weeks, the intense rainfall and subsequent landslides on Highway 17 have impacted my ability to get work on time by bus from San Jose to UCSC. I've fortunately been able to work from home on days when the commute was dangerous or significantly longer due to closed lanes and hazardous conditions. I have also seen the community of Highway 17 commuters come together in the face of these challenges by developing an active and supportive Facebook group where people post updates, questions, and information. Many people are turning to carpooling to try and reduce traffic, which from a sustainability and community building perspective is a huge silver lining. It's been interesting to have first-hand experience of how severe weather--made worse by the years-long drought we've had--bring strangers together to form a community. I believe this is one local example of the kind of severe weather we'll be facing in the years to come due to climate change, and I now have a stronger sense of hope that people will be able to come together to support one another when we face these challenges."   – Melissa (Sustainability Office)

February Green Tip: Staying Active After the Women's March

By Jax Puliatti 

January 21, 2017 is a historic day for the United States and for the world. Never before in the U.S. have so many people stepped up and marched alongside friends, family and strangers. There were marches in the big cities and small towns alike. You can see the full list of American marches in this article or check out the national and global map of marches for yourself in the New York Times.

The feeling of empowerment and love at these marches is undeniable. There has never been such a large demonstration in Washington, D.C. and not a single arrest was made. Though we marched in reaction to a nightmarish election, the anger that might have been present was transformed into chanting, marching, making witty and hilarious signs, and knitting pink pussyhats.

If you attended one of these marches, you will know that it is not just about women. Women’s rights are inseparable from social and environmental justice. As repeated on countless posters, "Women's rights and human rights." These human rights include the right to live a healthy life on this earth. Therefore, climate change is women's issue. Women are disproportionately affected by climate change, as explained in this everyday feminist. Marches and other types of civic engagement is vital in our efforts to combat climate change and mitigate its effects.

The potential for positive change as a reaction to the Trump presidency is tremendous. On a single day, millions of people gathered to express a commitment to justice for people and planet.

The biggest Green Tip is to stay active! The Women's March on Washington organizers have already created an action plan for us: 10 Actions in 100 Days. Keep that energy and community alive by writing to your representatives in Congress, staying up to date on future marches (there's one happening on April 15th!), volunteering at local organizations working on policy, donate to organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists that are lobbying for environmental protection regulations. There are lots of ways to get involved, the most important thing is that you just do it!

February 2017: Classes, Trainings, and Community

Climate Change and Carbon Survey

Conifr is a team of students in Santa Cruz and Brisbane working together to develop an app that tracks individual carbon emissions from transportation. Their idea won them first place at Startup Weekend Santa Cruz in November. Their goal is to facilitate tracking of CO2 emissions and offer transparent ways to offset, or counteract, those emissions. Please fill out this survey so that they can better understand their market and know how to make the app as useful to you as possible! You can use this survey link or use the QR code above.

SEC Blueprint Breakouts throughout Winter Quarter: February 1, 8, 15
You're invited to the Student Environmental Center's (SEC) annual creation of the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus! Connect with students, staff, and faculty and share ideas on campus sustainability. Free vegetarian dinner will be provided each week. The events are on Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 PM. The dates and themes for each event are as follows: February 1: Waste Prevention and Land, Habitat & Watershed at Rachel Carson College Red Room. February 8: Green Building & Social and Environmental Justice at the Colleges 9&10 Namaste Lounge. February 15: Water & Green Purchasing at Rachel Carson College Red Room. For questions, please email seclead-group@ucsc.edu.

Zero Waste Campus Cleanups: February 4 & 26
The Sustainability Office's Zero Waste Team is hosting campus cleanups that are open for all to attend. Snacks and supplies are provided! The cleanups are happenings from 11 AM to 12 PM. Oakes & Rachel Carson Colleges' cleanup is on February 4, and Cowell & Stevenson Colleges' cleanup is on February 26. Each cleanup will meet in front of the respective dining halls. For questions or DRC accommodations, please email the Zero Waste Team at zerowasteucsc@gmail.com.

Labor Mobility & Precarity on a Global Scale Symposium: February 7
You are invited to attend this symposium on how global labor mobility and rising precarity affect and connect the experiences of citizens and non-citizens. Precarity, the experience of insecurity and constant risk of exclusion, is central to the experience of many labor migrants and citizen-workers in our time. Today’s labor migrants are new denizens—residents or inhabitants who are not quite full members of society. They are incorporated into societies that desire their labor, but reject their very presence. The event is on February 7, from 12-5:30 PM in the Stevenson Event Center. It is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register before event.

Common Ground Center World Cafes: February 7 & 21
Kresge Common Ground Center is hosting World Cafes this Quarter at the Kresge Seminar Room 159. February 7th's discussion is called Arts and Activism and February 21st is on Media, News, and Influence. For more information, check out their website or Facebook page. Can’t wait to hear what actions emerge from these conversations!

Film Screening & Conversation with Ron Finley: February 8
Ron Finley is the renowned "guerrilla gardener of South Central L.A." and an advocate for urban gardens as a way to address poverty, alleviate food insecurity, and promote community cohesion. With the help of activists and community members, he was able to legalize curbside gardening in the city of L.A. for community use. Ron will give a short talk before the film, and participate in a Q&A session after the showing. The event is happening at 7 PM on Wednesday, February 8 at the Colleges 9&10 Multipurpose Room. Admission is free and seating may be limited. For information or accommodations, contact coco@ucsc.edu.

Democratizing the Green City Conference at UCSC: February 17-18
This conference examines a paradox: urban sustainability initiatives that are so vital in countering climate change can, through their improvements, contribute to driving up rents and driving out residents, and in the process, exacerbate sprawl, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change itself. Our speakers examine this growing link between environmental improvement and social displacement and ask: How is it possible to break this link? What would it mean to include affordable housing and equity within sustainability efforts? And what are the consequences—socially and ecologically—if we don't? This conference is free and open to the public. Please register and find out more at their website.

Climate Science & Policy Conference - Changing Climate: Acting Now to Secure a Sustainable Future: February 24-25
The Divisions of Physical & Biological Sciences and Social Sciences are proud to announce the 4th Annual UC Santa Cruz Climate Science & Policy Conference. It will feature a keynote presentation by Veerbhadran Ramanathan on "Climate Change Morphing into an Existential Threat: Need for a New Approach," as well as panel discussions on Saturday covering a variety of topics. The closing panel Fred Keeley Lecture on Environmental Policy is titled, "Climate Change Science and Policy in a President Trump Administration." Learn more and register online here.

Campus Fun-Run with OPERS and Financial Aid on April 29 during Alumni Weekend
Fun run on campus in support of student scholarships! UCSC is hosting a challenging 5k on campus that covers all of our colleges and major nostalgic, picturesque areas on UC Santa Cruz. They’ll have water stations, photos stations, shuttle service just in case and lockers and refreshments at OPERS on the East Field. Register early for the family-friendly fun in the sun this Spring! Find out more at Alumni Weekend website.

Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project: February 4
The Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project, in collaboration with the City of Santa Cruz Parks Department, will be breaking ground on a community orchard, bringing dozens of volunteers to amend the soil and plant about 20 fruit trees. The event will be on Saturday, February 4th at Mike Fox Park, alongside the river levee by the Riverside Ave Bridge. Check out their website for more information.

Fall Faculty Curriculum Workshop

On November 4th, twenty faculty from all Academic Divisions participated in the second part of a curriculum workshop on incorporating climate change and sustainability into existing curricula. Participants shared their research, teaching and pedagogical approaches and discussed ways to build relationships and collaborate to educate students about climate change and sustainability. We will be hosting quarterly events for faculty interested in climate change and sustainability education. If you or someone you know who is faculty are interested in participating, please email Shauna Casey to receive an invitation.

Workshop on incorporating sustainability into UCSC Curriculum

Twenty-four faculty from sixteen departments and all five academic divisions participated in a workshop on how to incorporate themes about climate change and sustainability into curriculum last month.

The workshop, led by Ronnie Lipschutz (Politics, College 8) and Jennifer Parker (Art) was an opportunity for faculty to discuss ways to educate students across academic disciplines about climate change and sustainability by updating existing curriculum. Faculty will be invited back in Fall quarter 2016 to share their results or plans for updating existing courses.

UCOP's Global Climate Leadership Council funded workshops on all ten of the UC campuses and is developing a system-wide website, the Climate and Sustainability Education Resource Library (CSERL), where faculty can share their syllabi, course information, activities, and materials.

Here are some photos from the event.

June 2016: Classes, Training, Community

California's Presidential Primary Election: June 7, 2016
Remember to vote in the presidential primary this June! You have to be registered as a Democrat or No Party Preference (NPP) in order to vote for the presidential candidates, and if you are registered as NPP, you have to request a democratic ballot, otherwise you will not be able to vote for a presidential candidate. The deadline to register to vote was May 23rd. You can vote early, M-F 9-5pm at the Santa Cruz County Government Center, 701 Ocean Street, Rm. 210. Additionally, there will be polling places on campus from 7-7pm on June 7th. For more information, click here.

Climate Ride Summer Session: June 17 - July 10, 2016
The Climate Ride has a new program designed to engage young adults (ages 18-24) in the bike advocacy, conservation and sustainability movement. The 2016 inaugural ride is a 24-day, 1200-mile van-supported bike trip from Portland, OR to Santa Barbara, CA through some of the Pacific Coast’s most beautiful locales. In order to participate, riders must fundraise a minimum of $3,500 for the Climate Ride beneficiary organizations of their choice. There are more than 100 beneficiaries to choose fromSpace is limited to 20 participants. For more information and to register click here.

The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy Program: Deadline July 1
The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy (SISE) is a two-week intensive workshop and lecture series for students and professionals at the University of Illinois at Chicago. From August 4-16, a diverse body of participants will engage a broad spectrum of energy and sustainability-related topics through daily presentations, collaborative projects, mentoring activities, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading research institutions and companies in the digital technology and energy sectors. They will accept applications through July 1st. Application information, program information, and more can be found at their website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Thomas Aláan uic.sise.admissions[at]gmail[dot]com, SISE Program Coordinator.

ENVS 15: Natural History of the UCSC Campus: Enroll now for Summer Session 2!
Looking to get to know the plants and animals of the campus and to see the natural world through new eyes? This will be taught during Summer Session 2 by Alex Jones, UCSC Campus Natural Reserve Manager. This class provides an excellent opportunity to increase your skills of observation and interpretation out in the field while also having a great time with your fellow students. Each week focuses on a different topic, from plants to birds to reptiles and amphibians to mammals and more. In addition to in-class exploration, you will deepen your relationship with the natural world through weekly individual journal exercises at a particular spot on campus that you'll use to anchor your learning. For more info, email Alex at asjones@ucsc.edu.

Wildlands Studies 2016 Summer Programs: Spaces Still Available! 
Wildlands Studies still has a few spaces available in their upcoming summer programs and they encourage students to apply soon.  You could join them in Belize, Australia, Yellowstone, Big Sur and the Channel Islands in California, and Vancouver Island in Canada.  All their programs provide hands-on, applied learning and direct research experience to students while living in a backcountry wilderness setting.  Their courses offer between 5-15 quarter credits provided through Western Washington University. Check out their website or this post to learn more!

Produce Pop-Up Stand in the Quarry Plaza
Come and enjoy the UCSC Farm Produce Pop-up on Thursdays from 10am to 3pm at the Quarry Plaza! FSWG will have a variety of vegetables and flowers from the UCSC CASFS Farm and select fruit from the Downtown Farmer's Market. They are now accepting EBT/CalFresh so please come by and use your benefits! They are also looking for an intern to help support and run the Pop-Up in Fall Quarter 2016. The purpose of  the pop-up is to bring the Farmer's market to UCSC for students and to increase access to healthy and affordable food for all. If you have any questions, please contact Alyssa Billys at abillys[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

Demeter Seed Library
The Demeter Seed Library will be hosting office hours this quarter in Oakes 307. Come by to borrow or donate seeds and learn more about seed saving and campus gardening efforts! Office hours are Tuesdays 2-3pm or by appointment.

Sustainability Studies Minor
The minor incorporates courses offered by College Eight and departments across campus, student-initiated classes through the Education for Sustainable Living Program, and an interdisciplinary capstone. The minor is open to all UCSC students. For more information, click here.

Collaborators for UCSC Biodigester Grant Proposal Needed
UCSC Sustainability Studies Student, Nick Kush, is developing a proposal for a grant to purchase a biodigester for UCSC. A biodigester is a container about the size of a medium trash can where you put in food scraps, and then after digestion by bacteria, get out methane gas which can be used to cook on a barbecue. His goal is to have it installed by the end of the year at PICA. He is looking for fellow collaborators or people who are interested in making this happen. Click here to look at the desired unit. For more information, contact Nick at nkush@ucsc.edu.

Divestment Student Network People Of Color Caucus
The People of Color Caucus is a place for organizers of color in the divestment movement to meet, collaborate on shared projects, and support each other to build the Climate Justice movement the world needs. Check out their Purpose, Principles and how to get involved here. Divestors of color who are interested in learning more can fill out this quick membership form to be shared on their listserve, membership contact page, and Facebook group.

Word to our Mother! Women’s Hip Hop for Climate Change 4/29

The Romero Institute is hosting a hip hop event focused on the issue of climate change and women’s empowerment. The goal is to raise consciousness about climate change and rallying people about being involved in the movement for a more sustainable, healthy planet.

They are excited to headline socially conscious female artists, including Mare Advertencia Lirica, indigenous hip hop artist from Oaxaca, Mexico. They have an all­-women hip­ hop lineup because women are shockingly underrepresented in this musical genre. Hip Hop can be a powerful tool to generate and sustain the energy of a movement to counter materialism and empower women. More details about the event will be available soon.

Word to Our Mother! Women's Hip Hop for Climate Change will take place Friday, April 29th from 8:00-11:30 PM at Merrill Cultural Center. $5 admission.

This event has received sponsorship support from the Cowell Provost, Faye Crosby; Merrill College; and the Sustainability Office. They are seeking additional sponsors for this non-profit event and hope to involve student groups who focus on sustainability and issues of climate. All profits will go toward paying for the event, any leftover will go toward the Romero Institute’s Climate Change Project.

The Romero Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on identifying structural sources of injustice. By combining strategic litigation, public education, and outreach they aim to disassemble unjust structures and mobilize a new generation of leaders committed to fairness and sustainability. The Institute was formerly known as The Christic Institute, a renowned nonprofit public interest law firm behind the Iran Contra lawsuit, the Karen Silkwood investigation, the Three Mile Island Case, and many other precedent setting historic lawsuits. The Romero Institute is currently engaged with several Human Rights projects, including: A Constitutional Protection Zone for Santa Cruz County, Revocation of the Doctrine of Discovery and the Lakota People’s Law Project. To learn more about these projects visit their websites: romeroinstitute.org, lakotalaw.org, and santacruzcpz.org. In 2016, the Romero Institute began to take on education and organizing around the issue of climate change. We plan to present the evidence as well as inspiring solutions that each individual, organization, city, state and county can implement immediately for the quickest and most effective change.

Contact Ardalan “Ardy” Raghian­ (ardalan.raghian[at]romeroinstitute[dot]org), 650­-521­-4731, for more information.

Faculty Workshop: Incorporating Sustainability & Climate Change into UCSC Courses

Bringing sustainability and climate change into the curriculum could be as simple as having a field trip on the UCSC Campus Natural Reserves, or doing a one-day lesson on how climate change impacts or interacts with the subject you are teaching. The workshop will provide space for discussing and sharing knowledge about sustainability, approaches for integrating themes into courses, and relevant tools and resources.

Faculty interested in integrating sustainability or climate change into existing curriculum are invited to a one-day workshop Friday, May 20th 9am- 3 pm at the Digital Arts Research Center's Light Lab Room 306. Faculty will receive $1000 for participating in the workshop to help revise syllabi and course plans. Funds can be used for assistance from a GSR, instructional media, field trips, guest speaker honoraria, lab materials, etc. They will also receive $200 for sharing accomplishments back with the group next year.

Faculty from all disciplines are encouraged to apply, no prior experience with environmental and sustainability issues is necessary. We especially encourage faculty to apply from disciplines where sustainability and climate change are not obviously pertinent to the course content. This workshop is open to all UCSC faculty although space is limited and priority will be given to Senate faculty.

Interested instructors please email asteves@ucsc.edu to pre-register. Deadline to register is April 5th. Lunch and snacks are provided.

Climate Science and Policy Conference 2016

Distinguished climate scientists, policymakers, and practitioners participated in a major national conference on climate science and climate change right here at UC Santa Cruz on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, 2016. Presented by the divisions of Social Sciences and Physical and Biological Sciences, the theme of the third annual climate science & policy conference was "Earth's Climate Future: Uncharted Territory." The three panels focused on public health, geoengineering, and geopolitics.

The opening keynote address was given by Ken Caldeira, a world renowned climate scientist working for the Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Global Ecology at Stanford University. He investigates issues related to the global carbon cycle, marine biogeochemistry, climate intervention, and energy technology.

Ken Caldera during his opening keynote 
photo courtesy of UCSC Social Sciences

The first panel, "Emerging Disease, Public Health, and Climate Change," discussed the potential links between public health, disease, and climate change. Marm Kilpatrick, Associate Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at UCSC, affirmed that climate change might play a role in the transmission of diseases. However, he and other panelists stressed that the relationship between climate change and disease is difficult to predict. Much is still unknown.  Policy-wise, Mercedes Pascual of University of Chicago said we must act with this uncertainty in mind by advocating for better surveillance and intervention globally. Daniel Brooks of University of Nebraska emphasized this point stating, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

"Emerging Disease, Public Health, and Climate Change" Panel
photo courtesy of UCSC Social Sciences

The second panel, "Geoengineering and Climate Change" discussed the ethics of geoengineering, the social, political, and economic issues, and the possibility of implementing it as a policy. Most of the panelists were skeptical of geoengineering, arguing that more research needed to be done before anything close to implementation could be considered. However, all agreed that an international governance must be implemented with an emphasis on transparency if geoengineering was ever implemented large-scale.  Jeffrey Kiehl of the National Center for Atmospheric Research raised a compelling point, stating that instead of looking for quick solutions (such as altering the environment, geoengineering), we must face the real problem of dependence on fossil fuels and the resulting greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions.

The third panel, "The Geopolitics of Climate Change" addressed the social and political issues revolving around climate change. Jaqueline Patterson of the NAACP Climate Gap Initiative highlighted the fact that low-income people of color are far more likely than wealthier white families to live next to toxic facilities. Also, these areas are already weakened by food insecurities and low numbers of health insurance carriers. She called for more regenerative, cooperative policies that uplift communities instead of extractive, unsustainable policies that represent only the interests of corporations. Diana Liverman of University of Arizone agreed, stating that "Those who are most vulnerable are usually least responsible." Liverman spoke on the concept of adaptation, the idea of helping people and other species survive in a warmer world through payments and allocations.

Chancellor George Blumenthal introduced Steven Chu, former U.S. secretary of energy and winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, who spoke on "Climate Change and a Low-Cost Path to Sustainable Energy" at the Fred Keeley Lecture, the conclusion to the two day conference.  Chu served as secretary of energy under President Obama from 2009 to 2013. He spoke about the increase in carbon activity as an effect of human activity, and what must be done to lower it such as producing more energy from renewable sources, carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, and using fuels with lower carbon contents.

Steven Chu during the Fred Keeley Lecture
photo courtesy of UCSC Social Sciences

The conference provided attendees with plenty of information, perspectives, and thoughts about the challenges we face as a planet. Our task now is to take action and create solutions for a sustainable, just, and thriving future.

Click here for more useful links.

Join the discussion and check out the live tweets that Education & Outreach Associate Preethi Ruvva tweeted during the conference here!  

UC Carbon Neutrality Summit- Bending the Curve

Chrissy Thomure, the Climate Action Manager at the Sustainability Office shares her experience at the UC Carbon Neutrality Summit.

 
It's not often that UC President Napolitano, Governor Jerry Brown, 50+ faculty and researchers, Nobel laureates, and business leaders get together in one place to focus on a topic.  But on October 26 & 27, these movers and shakers got together at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UC San Diego to focus on one of the most critical issues facing society; climate change.

The latest science presented at the conference revealed that under the current “business as usual” practices, the planet is on target to exceed a 2 degrees Celsius increase relative to the pre-industrial average by 2050 and a 4 degrees Celsius increase by 2100, triggering serious large-scale problems including droughts, forest fires and sea level rise from 1.5–2 meters by the end of the century. Catastrophic climatic events are becoming more and more common, and are disproportionately affecting the world’s most vulnerable people.

Despite the stark facts that were presented, there was a sense of excitement and optimism in the air as we heard from the leaders of a committee of 50 academics and researchers from across UC’s 10 campuses who worked over the summer to develop a report recommending a set of actionable solutions for curbing climate change using existing technologies.  The report, called Bending the Curve, pulled together experts from a broad spectrum of fields ranging from climate science to ethics, economics, ecology, energy, environmental justice, political science and religion.  The Chair of the Committee, Veerabhadran "Ram" Ramanathan- who in 1975 discovered the greenhouse effect of chlorofluorocarbons in the Earth’s atmosphere- insists, “there is still time to mitigate the most disastrous of the predicted changes.”  Governor Brown iterated this point by saying, “The challenge for us is to imagine the likely extreme outcomes of climate change and take actions now to prevent it.”

Yes, this is a monumental challenge.  The encouraging thing is that it was apparent at this Summit that these leaders are not just “talking the talk” but are also “walking the walk.”  With the Carbon Neutrality Initiative announced by President Napolitano in 2013, the University of California pledged to become carbon neutral by 2025.  The state of California has its own ambitious climate targets: Reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels, shift California’s electricity production to at least 50 percent renewable sources, and increase building energy efficiency by 50 percent – all by 2030.  To learn more about UCSC’s commitment to climate action, click here. 

On-Campus Housing Survey informs UCSC’s Climate and Energy Strategy Study

In the spring quarter of 2015, undergraduate residents living in on-campus housing were requested to complete a survey to provide input on heating, cooling, and lighting in their residential housing units. Over the summer, Sustainability Office interns assigned to support the Climate and Energy Strategy (CES) study worked with one of the project’s consultants, Ecoshift, to compile a summary of the survey results. One hundred and eighteen students completed the survey, which represents only a small fraction (1.5 percent) of the total population of undergraduate residents living in on-campus housing. It is important to note that this summary is framed within the context of this small sample. The CES interns are working to increase participation in the survey by launching another round of surveys this fall.

The majority of heating and cooling issues are skewed towards Porter College and Stevenson College, with these residential housing units representing 57 percent of the survey responses. Generally and as expected, respondents agreed that their residences were too hot during the spring, fall, and summer quarters and too cold during the winter quarters. The following graph represents the general thermal comfort of the residences on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being extremely cold and 10 being extremely hot.

The graph displays the majority of survey respondent’s experience thermal comfort. Similarly, the survey found 88 percent of campus has adequate hot water in sinks around campus and showers.

Surprisingly, many students are either unaware that they can adjust the temperatures in their rooms with the thermostats provided in the residences or simply do not use them. CES interns hope to be able conduct outreach to new residents about how they can adjust their room temperatures. As for lighting, a majority of the students agreed that they found unoccupied spaces with lights left on more times than not. Many residents indicated that occupancy sensors did not work or they weren’t sure what occupancy sensors do. By adding occupancy sensors and educational outreach on how they work, wasted energy from leaving lights on in unoccupied spaces can be minimized.

The survey has given the CES interns and consulting team good insight into energy issues that residents face on-campus. This knowledge can enable planning of concrete steps to improve thermal and lighting issues in on-campus residential housing while ensuring that comfort is maximized with the least amount of energy consumed.

As mentioned above, there is another round of the survey happening this fall. Complete this survey for a chance to win the grand prize $100 gift certificate, or one of four $50 certificates to the Bay Tree Bookstore. Please spread the word to your on-campus friends about this opportunity. More survey participation means more invaluable information our campus has for solving energy issues, making students more comfortable, and reaching carbon neutrality! Look out for upcoming emails and flyers about the survey.

Get paid to fight climate change!

The UCSC Sustainability Office is looking for two passionate, knowledgeable and organized Carbon Neutrality Student Fellows to coordinate climate action engagement and planning this academic year! If you’re a UCSC student interested in climate change, creative problem solving, and student organizing and empowerment, then this is an experience you want to have!

Climate change threatens to destroy our communities and destabilise our economy with higher temperatures, extreme weather, and rising seas. At its core, climate change is an injustice hoisted onto future generations and people who have done little to create the problem, affecting first and worst the global poor. But the world is changing in more than just climatic systems, and tackling climate change promises to host co-benefits for humans and non-human beings alike. 

Be part of the transition.

The Carbon Neutrality Initiative Fellowship program, now in its second year, gives students the opportunity to engage in the rapid decarbonization of the university’s energy system through a yearlong paid internship. The Student Fellows will have the opportunity to build their knowledge of climate change science, policy and economics, social movements, campus sustainability, UC bureaucracy, renewable energy systems, climate justice, and other topics related to carbon neutrality and climate leadership.

Fellows will help coordinate a carbon reduction pledge campaign through social media, host events to garner student feedback and priorities in climate action planning, as well as gain leadership skills and explore intersectional sustainability issues through a revolutionary inter-fellowship retreat with students involved in the Global Food Initiative. The Fellows will also lead efforts to plan and execute visioning sessions and charrettes to engage the campus community in climate action planning.The Fellowship will require creative construction of programs, activities and/or campaigns to promote climate action and reduce emissions on campus and beyond.

Apply here for ER#7842, and submit a cover letter and resume that highlights your direct skills, knowledge and abilities supporting the position. Send to Chrissy Thomure, Climate Action Manager, at cthomure@ucsc.edu. Feel free to contact Alden Phinney, the outgoing Carbon Neutrality Fellow, with any questions regarding student experience in the fellowship program at aphinney@ucsc.edu. Applications are open until filled.

This Fellowship is open to undergrad and grad students at UCSC, though applications may be open at other UC campuses as well; check with your campus Sustainability Office for more details.

May 2015: Internships, Employment & Volunteering

EMPLOYMENT

Climate & Energy Analyst (Sustainability Office)
This paid student position supports the implementation of energy efficient projects through auditing, diagnostic software and data logging equipment. The position remains open until filled. Position works 20-40 hours, from Monday through Friday at flexible times. For more information and to apply, visit the UCSC ER System, and use ER #7695.

Water Action Drought Response Team Member (Sustainability Office)
The Water Action Drought Response Team is looking to add one more member to the team for a summer position! This summer the team is looking to collaborate with Conference Services, the Arboretum, research labs, and Physical Planning to promote the importance of water conservation and to create projects to reduce our water usage. They plan to assist all these groups through education, training, outreach, auditing, and learning about the recently installed beacon system meters. More information about these new beacon meters can be found here. Apply on the ER system using #7324 and contact Lindsay for more information at lnedelma [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Climate Action Analyst (Sustainability Office)
This paid student position collects, compiles and analyzes data pertaining to projects in development, implements educational programs, conducts research, coordinates and collaborates with other Climate Action Interns, and edits documents, schedules meetings, etc. For more information and to apply, visit the UCSC ER System and use ER #7696.

Carbon Fund Outreach Coordinator (Sustainability Office)
This paid student position provides outreach for the Carbon Fund through classwraps, tabling, and the use of social media. This student must intimately understand funded Carbon Fund projects and track their individual accomplishments. The position also requires extensive reporting, documentation and administrative duties. For more information and to apply, visit the UCSC ER System and use ER #6161.

Carbon Fund Student Facilitator (Sustainability Office)
The Carbon Fund student facilitator coordinates Carbon Fund committee meetings, works with applicants who are applying for Carbon Fund grants, tracks budgets and expenses for projects, and is the main point of contact for the Carbon Fund. For more information and to apply, visit the UCSC ER System and use ER code #7314.

Zero Waste Program Associate (Sustainability Office)
The Zero Waste Program associate will develop and implement waste reduction educational efforts campus-wide. They will work with staff, faculty and fellow students to communication and collaborate on waste efforts on campus and in the community. To apply, visit the UCSC ER System and use ER code #6236.

Student Sustainability Advisors
SSAs are needed for the 2015-2016 school year, and applications are now open. SSAs work with Residential Life and students in on-campus housing to support sustainability efforts, behaviors, and events. SSAs must live on campus during the school year and be able to commit to arriving early in September for training. Compensation includes a quarterly stipend of $1,500 and meals during early move-in. To apply, visit the UCSC ER System and use ER code #7056.

UC Riverside Hiring Energy & Sustainability Manager
This is a full-time position located in Riverside, CA. The Energy & Sustainability Manager works to decrease energy cost, examines mechanical, electrical, water and gas systems to make sure they are functioning at the highest level possible. For more information about position requirements, and to apply, click here.

Bike Santa Cruz is Seeking Part-time Bookkeeper/Membership Coordinator
Bike Santa Cruz is looking for an awesome, enthusiastic individual to work 5 hours/week tracking Bike Santa Cruz finances, handling member correspondence, and maintaining their membership database. Please read posting for more information.

The Hub for Sustainable Living Seeking Bookkeeper and Director: Deadline May 8th
Positions may be applied for together, average about 10 hours/week. Deadline for application is May 8th. Please read posting for more information.

Hidden Villa Seeking Workers for Variety of Positions for Sustainability Summer Camp
Hidden Villa is seeking Residential Counselors, Maintenance Assistants, Kitchen Assistants, and Cooks. On average, individuals applying must be available from May 29th-August 15th. For more information, please click the individual position titles, or visit the general page here.

Seeking Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Program Assistant 
This individual will open and close the center, troubleshoot computer equipment, greet and receive visitors, assist in tours, assist Volunteer Coordinator, data entry and management, and much more. Please send a cover letter, resume and three professional references to explorationcenter [at] noaa [dot] gov and indicate SEC Program Assistant Job in subject line.

Alliance to Save Energy Seeking Programs Associate
The Alliance to Save Energy is seeking a full-time Program Associate to assist with implementing PowerSave Campus. Applicant must have a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, energy, education and 1-2 years of work experience is preferred. For more information, click here.

University of Utah Hiring Sustainability Communication and Outreach Coordinator
The Sustainability Office at U of Utah is seeking a Communication and Outreach Coordinator. This individual will support the campus mission by acting as a resource to faculty and staff within the Sustainability Office and coordinating internal and external communications with other public outreach efforts. For more information and to apply, click here.

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Seeking Web Application Development 
The purpose of the Web Application Developer position is to build high-quality, innovative web-based software that furthers AASHE’s organizational goals and creates lasting impact on the higher-education sustainability movement. For more information about experience, knowledge and skills required, click here.

Fair Trade USA Seeking National Organizer for Fair Trades Colleges and Universities 
The National Organizer works with students, faculty, food service providers and stakeholders to  adopt Fair Trade and create positive impact to farmers, workers and artisans. To see more information about requirements, click here.

INTERNSHIPS

Provost Sustainability Internship - $1500 + 12 units! Deadline Extended to May 8th 

The PSI program matches students with staff & faculty mentors to plan and implement a year-long campus sustainability project. Students receive internship credit for the fall, winter, and spring quarters and a $1500 scholarship upon completion of the program. Environmental Studies Senior Exit can be fulfilled with this program. Student applications are now being accepted until May 8th. All interested interns must attend the mandatory info session on May 5th from 4:30-6pm in the Cervantes & Velasquez Conference Room in the Bay Tree Center. For more information, check out the Facebook event page. To apply, fill out this application.

IDEASS Internship Program Accepting Applications for 2015-16

Impact Designs Engineering and Sustainability through Student Service is a 9-month upper division service-learning class that fulfills the ENVS (and other majors) senior exit/thesis requirement by allowing entrepreneurial students to work on experimental sustainable designs and keep on the cusp of innovation. The potential projects span a cornucopia of topics, including: energy, water, food, transportation, and waste. IDEASS encourages students of all disciplines to apply. Applications are now being accepted for the 2015-2016 year. To apply, visit the application page here. 

Food Systems Internships Available

The Food Systems Working Group has an exciting new cadre of student leaders working across their partnerships with Dining, the Farm, and Garden efforts. Are you looking for an internship to join them? Email ucscfswg [at] gmail [dot] com if you'd like to find out more!

Student Seeking Successor to Carry On Renewable Energy Project
Interested in increasing student awareness about renewable energy and looking to complete a graduation requirement? A UCSC student is graduating and looking for a motivated, responsible, and environmentally engaged individual to take over her project, which consists of grant writing for various projects, including a recharging solar station on the UCSC campus. The project continues through 2016. Please contact Jazmin Orozco, at jorozco3 [at] uscsc [dot] edu for more information.

Summer Bike Advocacy Internships Available
Bike Santa Cruz County is looking for summer interns to help with bicycle advocacy, event planning, and outreach. Bike Santa Cruz County advocates for better bicycling around the county, plans fun bike events, and participates in local planning for bike projects and policies. For more information, contact Amelia Conlen at director [at] bikesantacruzcounty [dot] org.

Panamanian Sustainability Internships for Students 
Students from all over the world are welcomed to the Kalu Yala Research Institute in Panama. Participate in research projects, learn and teach sustainability and live in a gorgeous country. This is a fantastic opportunity you do not want to miss. For more information, click here.

Writers & Social Media Interns Wanted for Hilltromper
Hilltromper, the one-stop outdoor recreation web resource for Santa Cruz County, is looking for an intern to help run the calendar, write about recreation and the environment and contribute to social media. Tromping strongly encouraged! If interested, please email Traci [at] hilltromper [dot] com.

Coastal Watershed Council Internships Available
The Coastal Watershed Council (CWC) has many great internship opportunities to learn about local watersheds, build your resume, and contribute to cleaner, healthier watersheds in Santa Cruz. They're looking for motivated college and high school students. For more information, call (831) 464-9200 and view a full list of internship opportunities here.

VOLUNTEERING

Help Plan a 50th Anniversary Sustainability Film Festival

Do you have a love for organization and planning? Interested in sustainability and have a passion for cinema? Then this is the opportunity for you! Join the Sustainability Office in planning a Sustainability themed Film Festival in celebration of UCSC's 50th Anniversary! To partake or for more information, email Meghan Neureither at mneureit [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Bike to Work Needs Volunteers

Do you love bikes? Do you love people? Then volunteer for Bike to Work Day! Volunteers are absolutely vital to this program, and opportunities range from supply/food packaging for the 50+ sites on May 6th, helping check in participants, and so much more. Contact Emily Glanville at (831-515-1328) for more information and to get involved.

Bike to Work Food Packing Day Needs Your Help!

Join in and help pack amazing food to be distribued to over 60 free breakfast sites and local schools and businesses across the country for Bike to Work day, on Wednesday, May 6th, from 11am-2pm at Ecology Action. Lunch is provided. Please RSVP to Elise, at eehrheart [at] ecoact [dot] org. 

First Friday "Bike Night" at Museum of Art & History
On Friday May 1st from 4:30-9pm, Ecology Acton, Bike Santa Cruz County and the MAH are collaborating to put on an amazing event at the museum. However, they cannot do it alone! The organizations are looking for volunteers to help with the event. Please contact Elise at eehrheart [at] ecoact [dot] org to volunteer.  

Bike to Work Day, Thursday May 7th
From 6-10 am on May 7th, Ecology Action is seeking volunteers to help at the Bike to Work Day free breakfast sites. Volunteers are provided with free breakfast. Contact Elise at eeherheart [at] ecoact [dot] org to sign up or for more information. 

Volunteer at a Campus Garden

Want to get your hands dirty and nurture the plants in our campus gardens? Visit the calendar to find out when garden work days are happening here.

Slugs to Sludge Wastewater 5k Seeking Volunteers

Join the Slugs to Sludge Wastewater on May 23rd. The event is a walk that follows the path of wastewater from UCSC to the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Neary Lagoon. The event needs the help of volunteers to help with all aspects. For more information, please contact Zoe Manoguerra at zmanogue [at] ucsc [dot] edu. 

Green Building Student Alliance

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a building energy, water, and waste efficient? How can UCSC support sustainability in building designs and retrofits? Tatiana Gefter (Green Building Campaign Coordinator for the Student Environmental Center), Grant Waldron (Provost's Sustainability Intern for Climate Action), and other students are collaborating to create a Green Building Student Alliance. This group will serve as a student advising resource to campus architects and project managers with a goal of increasing student participation in campus infrastructure design to keep the environment in mind. Email Tatiana at tgefter[at]ucsc[dot]edu for more information and to join!

Get Involved with UC Global Food Initiative

The UC Global Food Initiative aims to address global issues in the food system. All 10 UCs are working collectively towards this effort to support sustainable agriculture, healthy eating, and food security. UCSC is playing a critical role in this effort with the support of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. Join a subcommittee and get involved by contacting ucscfswg [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Arboretum Volunteer Gardening Opportunities

The Arboretum has volunteer gardening hours throughout the week. Visit their website for details. 

Volunteer with Sea Slugs, an Ocean Conservation Org

Sea Slugs is an ocean-minded campus organization dedicated to environmental stewardship. It is an excellent opportunity for students (both undergrad and grad) to engage in the greater community through public service while making a positive impact on the local environment. For information about meeting times and opportunities, contact Sea Slugs at seaslug.ucsc [at] gmail [dot] com or visit their website.

Join Banana Slugs for Animals

Banana Slugs for Animals welcomes all to their weekly meetings. During the meetings they discuss Animal rights and plan events! They will be having a film screening of "Earthlings" (Date and time TBD). If you would like to know more please email slugsforanimals [at] gmail [dot] com. 

Get Involved with Integrated Climate & Energy Study

Interested in climate and energy sustainability? Want to get hands-on experience exploring these topics in relation to our campus? Chrissy Thomure, Climate Action Manager in the Sustainability Office, is coordinating an Integrated Climate & Energy Study with key stakeholders and a consultant. The study launches this year, and students are encouraged to participate! Email Chrissy at cthomure [at] ucsc [dot] edu to find out more information.

Gaia Magazine Seeking Newsletter Submissions 
Do you love mother nature and have a passion for writing? Then submit your writing to the Gaia newsletter and see your beautiful writing immortalized in print. Please direct submissions to gaiamagazineucsc [at] gmail [dot] com. 

Volunteer at the Homeless Garden Project Downtown Store
Volunteer in the store, on the register, for merchandising, and providing customer service. New volunteers receive orientation during their first shift. Click here to see the schedule, then contact Jes at jesw [at] homelessgardenproject [dot] org to sign-up. 

Call for Students! Conduct Free Local Business Energy Audits

Interested in greening offices and energy conservation? The Green Impact Campaign is a national student-powered movement working to raise awareness of energy consumption. Become part of the movement today and join Green Impact Campaign, here.

Global Student Embassy Seeking Garden Leader
Global Student Embassy (GSE) Santa Cruz initiates and runs several high school garden projects here in Santa Cruz county. GSE is seeking a Garden Leader who will commit to meeting one to two times/month, plan community workdays, lead after school workdays, and facilitate discussion-based workshops. Contact Wyeth Wunderlich at wyeth [at] globalstudent embassy [dot] org to participate in this awesome program.

Sprout Up Environmental Education Opportunity

Sprout Up Santa Cruz is seeking college student-instructors instructors to deliver free environmental education to 1st and 2nd graders in the Santa Cruz community, cultivating the next generation of passionate caretakers of the earth. Commitment is maximum 3 hours/week for 8 weeks, by UCSC academic quarter. For more information, please contact directorsc[at]sproutup[dot]org, and visit their website at www.SproutUp.org.

The Bike Church Community Repair Shop Seeking Volunteers
Have a knack for cycling, biking and learning to maintain bikes? Interested in learning to divert bike parts from the waste stream? Then this is the opportunity for you! Click here for more information. 

Community Engagement with San Lorenzo River Alliance
Help the San Lorenzo River Alliance have more positive attention on and more positive engagement with the San Lorenzo River by signing up to be a community engagement volunteer. To learn more or volunteer, email Laurie Egan at legan [at] coastal-watershed [dot] org. Learn more here.

Teach K-12 Watershed Conservation Lessons
Council Watershed Council presents lessons to K-12 grade students at public schools throughout the county. Volunteer to present lessons on the link between watersheds and our water supply, recycling and composting, water pollution prevention, how to pack a trash free lunch, wise energy use, and many other topics related to climate change and wise resource use. To learn more and sign up, email Stew Jenkins at sjenkins [at] coastal-watershed [dot] org or call him at (831) 464-9200. Learn more here.

Carneros Creek Winter Monitoring
Want to gain field experience in beautiful wetland areas? Volunteer with the Carneros Creek Water Quality Monitoring Program to help monitor seasonal Carneros Creek, a primary freshwater tributary to Elkhorn Slough. You'll be professionally trained to test for field measurements and flow, including how to collect water samples that will be analyzed at a certified lab for bacteria, nutrients, total suspended solids, and pesticides. Contact Debie Chirco-Macdonald at djchirco [at] coastal-watershed [dot] org or (831) 464-9200 to get involved. Learn more here.