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Panels & Workshops |
Panels
(click on links for panelist bios)
| Title | Description | Speakers |
| legis1 | ||
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Capping Carbon: The Current State of Climate Legislation Friday, March 21, 9:00am Sugar Maple Room UVM Davis Center |
Federal cap and trade legislation appears to have a patina of inevitability, despite the United States' current policy of inaction. Despite this important shift, politics continue to lag behind science-based reality. Currently proposed legislation will do little to reduce green house gas emissions and could possibly block effective alternatives by dampening the sense of urgency to act. While the European Union program and regional state initiatives provide valuable lessons for the design of a larger program, they remain ignored in favor of industry concerns. This panel will take the pulse of cap and trade legislation pending in Congress and examine alternative proposals, existing programs, and the divide between the politics and science of climate change. |
Pat Parenteau, moderator
Manik Roy
.pps |
.pdf
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| china1 | ||
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China and the Environment Friday, March 21, 10:30am Sugar Maple Room UVM Davis Center |
During the last decade, China’s
environmental policies have come under a global microscope, especially
in the United States. This microscope however, has been viewed through
an American lens, overlaying the issues with a western perspective on
the roles and responsibilities of the government of China. The
panelists will discuss China’s environmental challenges from the inside
out, including such topics as China’s new environmental laws, the
development of eco-cities, the push for clean air and water, and the
increase of industrialization. With this broader perspective, it will
be possible to fully consider potential synergies between the United
States and China to help this economic powerhouse take steps towards
global environmental leadership. |
Tseming Yang, moderator
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| energy1 | ||
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Post-Kyoto Era: Global Opportunities Friday, March 21, 1:15pm Livak Ball Room UVM Davis Center |
In order to effectively cope with the effects of global climate change, worldwide cooperation and leadership will be needed for years to come. Current international cooperation under the Kyoto Protocol’s first commencement period is set to expire in 2012. This panel will discuss the present state of international cooperation in mitigating climate change, recent developments in the international arena, as well as the opportunities and challenges the world faces. Discussion will also address the future role of the United States and what, if anything, should be required of developing countries. |
Marc Mihaly, moderator
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| arch1 | ||
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Rebuilding America Green Friday, March 21, 1:15pm Sugar Maple Room UVM Davis Center |
According to U.S. Green Building Council statistics, there was nearly an 80 percent growth in cumulative Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-registered and certified projects in 2007, added to the more than 50 percent cumulative growth in 2006. This acceleration of LEED projects represents a true revolution in the building industry. Rapidly growing public and business concerns about climate change and resultant climate change have fueled this green building revolution. This panel of green building leaders will discuss the programs and practices available to guide architects and developers in rebuilding America green. |
Martha Judy, moderator |
| energy2 | ||
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America's Energy Policy: Alternatives for our Future Friday, March 21, 2:45pm Livak Ball Room UVM Davis Center |
The United States is in the midst of an energy crisis and important decisions need to be made concerning how we produce, distribute and consume energy. The purpose of this panel is to discuss the various environmental, economic and legal concerns related to the policy alternatives for mitigating this crisis. The panel will also examine the various state and regional policies that have emerged to address this challenge in the absence of national leadership on energy related issues. |
Michael Dworkin, moderator Alexandra von Meier .pps | .pdf | summary
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| water1 | ||
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Water Scarcity, Antarctica and the Global Commons Friday, March 21, 2:45pm Sugar Maple Room UVM Davis Center |
How do water resources affect the global community? Water pollution and scarcity are among some of our world's greatest challenges. The amount of potable water worldwide is diminishing, while increasing global populations necessitate increasing demand. Where can we find new sources of freshwater? While increased control of quality, use, and allocation of water provides some hope for future solutions, experts increasingly are looking to Antarctica as a potential source of freshwater. This solution introduces concerns about nations’ competing claims to the territory and its resources. |
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| water2 | ||
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United States Water Supply and Quality Trends and Issues Friday, March 21, 4:30pm Livak Ball Room UVM Davis Center |
Water-related issues reside at the heart of many of our society’s most pressing concerns such as land use, resource extraction, endangered species protection, toxic waste, and global warming. Current trends within U.S. water resources management and policy has changed our nation's water allocation, extraction and quality protection. These trends along with historical precedent will help determine how states and regional actors can help solve these issues. |
David Mears, moderator
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| ag1 | ||
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Laboratories of Innovation: States Driving the Climate Debate Friday, March 21, 4:30pm Sugar Maple Room UVM Davis Center |
In the absence of a comprehensive federal plan to address climate change, states have become, as Brandeis coined, “the laboratories of innovative government.” This panel will explore how states are contributing to the climate change debate through recent litigation. From challenging the EPA's position regarding CO2 emissions from power plants, to setting vehicle emission standards, states have become the market place of ideas. Panelists will discuss the challenges and successes of this process, lending their experiences so other states can join the efforts towards developing a meaningful climate change policy. |
Michael Harris, moderator |
| envjust1 | ||
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Community Resources for Environmental Solutions Saturday, March 22, 11:00am Oakes Hall 012 Vermont Law School |
Access to "quality" or "pristine" natural resources are commonly categorized by planners and local governments as commercial assets. As such, they are often defaulted to the highest bidder or the most politically and economically affluent. Environmental Justice victims face limited access to lawyers, court rooms and scientists. Success in the Environmental Justice movement can only be achieved by educating and empowering those who are often the first and most impacted - the working poor, immigrant communities, and middle class citizens. These groups form the largest populations of urban cities and are systematically and disproportionately cheated from natural resources, quality work-places and schools. |
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| envjust2 | ||
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Hazards of Lead Paint in Housing and its Effect on Immigrant and Urban Communities Saturday, March 22, 1:30pm Oakes Hall 007 Vermont Law School |
The health risks of lead paint to children have been well known since the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission banned it for residential use in 1978. Yet for immigrant and other disenfranchised communities, the danger remains today resulting from a lack of awareness. For example, African refugees have no inherent fear to lead risks. These immigrants make up a small portion of Manchester, NH, but they account for a full third of the lead poisoning cases. In response to this disparity, the EPA awarded The Way Home, Inc. an environmental justice grant in 2007 for the New England Region to raise awareness about the hazards of lead poisoning. We Act, Inc. promotes a similar mission to educate communities in New York City. The purpose of this panel is to highlight their work, advocate the perspective of the immigrant community and emphasize the need for environmental justice no matter what ethnic background. |
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| enved1 | ||
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Environmental Education Panel Saturday, March 22, 1:30pm Oakes Hall 012 Vermont Law School |
Senegalese poet Baba Dioum said, "In the end, we conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught." Protecting nature and biodiversity begins with education. Fish and Wildlife Special Agent Dave Frisque and Wildlife Educator Hannah Putnam will discuss strategies for educating children and the public on the importance of nature and wildlife. |
Dave Frisque |
| grnintdes1 | ||
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Green Design Saturday, March 22, 2:45pm Oakes Hall 012 Vermont Law School |
As environmental concerns loom overhead, "green design", also referred to as "eco-design" and "sustainable design," has become an integral part of meeting the goal towards sustainability. This panel will offer insight into green design from both an indoor and outside perspective. Interior designer Erika Doering and landscape architect and horticulturist Jean Marsh will discuss the ability to design in an environmentally responsible way. |
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| intfish | ||
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International Fisheries Saturday, March 22, 2:45pm Oakes Hall 007 Vermont Law School |
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Charles Juliand |
Workshops
(click on links for leader bios)
The majority of our workshops have been organized by the VLS Solutions Conference Committee.
http://solutions.vermontlaw.edu
|
Title |
Description |
Leaders |
| energywkshp | ||
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Energy in Practice Workshop Saturday, March 22, 11:00am Oakes Hall 110 Vermont Law School |
This workshop will tell the story of the Town of Epping New Hampshire. Enacting one of the first voter-approved mandatory energy efficiency and sustainable design ordinances in the nation, the Planning Board has taken the lead on matters related to economic and environmental sustainability for development in town as well as managing upgrades to municipal facilities. Participants will be exposed to funding options, evaluation tools, and methods that allow citizens to understand building and energy systems, how to inventory and audit buildings, and how to make effective decisions for further action.
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Mike Behrmann |
| campuscnwkshp | ||
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Campus Climate Neutral Workshop Saturday, March 22, 11:00am Oakes Hall 107 Vermont Law School |
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| gmo1 | ||
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GMO Workshop Saturday, March 22, 11:00am Oakes Hall 007 Vermont Law School |
After a viewing of the films "Islands at Risk: Genetic Engineering in Hawaii" and "Unnatural Selection," Professor Brian Tokar will lead a discussion about current issues with GMOs. Interactive discussion is encouraged, so come with questions and expect answers. |
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| rolelawyerwkshp | ||
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Role of an International Lawyer in a Global Environment Workshop Saturday, March 22, 11:00am Oakes Hall 208 Vermont Law School |
Today’s legal environment is increasingly global. Litigators make strategic decisions for their clients that can have worldwide implications. This workshop features two practicing attorneys, in both the government and private sectors, whose international awareness and backgrounds have shaped the way they practice law. Participants will gain a perspective on the scope of international and environmental law, tips on maintaining a work/life balance and an understanding of the potential to make a global impact ranging from grassroots organizing that affects climate change to international human rights. |
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| sustcommwkshp | ||
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Creating Sustainable Communities Workshop Saturday, March 22, 11:00am Debevoise Hall Map Room Vermont Law School |
This Workshop will discuss strategies to create sustainable communities and how lessons learned in Burlington, Vermont have been transferred to communities around the world. Mr. Clavelle will speak specifically about how Burlington's efforts have been informed by others and how sustainability efforts benefit low income people. |
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| waterwkshp1 | ||
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Water Workshop Part 1: Local Communities Taking the Lead on Water Solutions Saturday, March 22, 1:30pm Oakes Hall 107 Vermont Law School |
What can I do? Act locally in preserving local water resources through designing and implementing sustainable water treatment systems within your community. Learn how these systems are designed, why they are viable alternatives, and how these systems mitigate environmental impacts. |
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| grnbuildwkshp | ||
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Green Building Practices Workshop: Greenspiration...How to Have Your Home & Green It Too Saturday, March 22, 1:30pm Oakes Hall 110 Vermont Law School |
This is a chance to put yourself in the shoes of an aspiring green homeowner who isn’t a hippie and isn’t a geek – just a working wife and mother of two who wants to make more responsible choices in the building of her new home and encourage others to do the same. |
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| legreswkshp | ||
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Environmental Legal Research Workshop Saturday, March 22, 1:30pm Oakes Hall 208 Vermont Law School |
Environmental law students and lawyers need to know how to find legal information effectively and efficiently, and they don’t always have free access to Westlaw and Lexis. Vermont Law School’s Environmental Law Librarian will provide a research session walking through one specific environmental issue using the best free online resources for locating scholarly articles, case law, statutes, and regulations. | Christine Ryan |
| martialartswkshp | ||
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Martial Arts Workshop: "Kicking Climate Change" Saturday, March 22, 1:30pm Chase Loft Vermont Law School |
Del Greer will present a workshop on Bando Kickboxing. This panel is offered as an opportunity to activate sedentary muscles and reinvigorate panel participants, who contemplate ways to “knock out” climate change at the NAELS conference. It is open to all, just bring sneakers and workout clothes. |
Del Greer |
| waterwkshp2 | ||
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Water Workshop Part 2: Local Communities Taking the Lead on Water Solutions Saturday, March 22, 2:45pm Oakes Hall 107 Vermont Law School |
(continuation from Water Workshop Part 1) |
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| vegancookwkshp | ||
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Vegan Cooking Workshop Saturday, March 22, 2:45pm Oakes Hall 110 Vermont Law School |
Find out how your food choices affect the environment and contribute to climate change. Learn how to make and enjoy vegan food, including substitutes for animal products. Get recipes and sample gourmet vegan cooking. |
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| litigwkshp | ||
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Litigation Workshop: Hot Topics in Environmental Litigation Saturday, March 22, 2:45pm Oakes Hall 208 Vermont Law School |
Whether you are concerned
about tackling large problems such as global warming or want to address
issues on a more local scale, whether pollution of a local stream or
loss of important habitat in your community, litigation can be an
important tool to consider. Picking the right cases and sorting through
the logistics of how, when and where to bring a lawsuit are
important considerations. |
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| transpwkshp | ||
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Getting Active: Join the NAELS Nationwide Transportation Initiative Workshop Saturday, March 22, 11:00am Debevoise Hall Map Room Vermont Law School |
Is your ELS interested in working in partnership with NAELS on transportation-related environmental issues in your area? If so, please join us during our panel session to help finalize the Transportation Initiative and get your ELS involved. While groups around the country are focused on energy issues related to climate change, there has been less of a focus on the things local communities can do now to reduce transportation-related carbon emissions: from creating more bike lanes and installing bike racks, to smoothing out intersections, mandating mixed-use zoning, and giving subsidies to green commuters. Discussion at the panel will center on developing feasible goals and effective long-term strategies for law student organizations that wish to become active and change the transportation picture in their communities. |
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Please visit again.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
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You can direct questions, comments, ideas and suggestions to the NAELS 2008 Conference Committee
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