Extreme precipitation trends in New England

Decision-makers require current data and analysis on extreme precipitation events and trends to facilitate effective adaptation. Here, multiple definitions of extreme precipitation (accumulations of one-inch, two-inch and four-inches, ten-, five- and one-yr. recurrence intervals, and the 99th percentile of events) are used to examine changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events in New England over the past 60-100 years. Correlations of trends in extreme precipitation events with temperature and with indices of atmospheric circulation patterns are also investigated. Predominately positive trends were found for all extreme precipitation definitions. For example, increases of 1 events/decade in one-inch events were found across the region. Spatially, positive trends were strongest in southern and central New England. These findings should contribute to flood management efforts and increase awareness of the impacts of climate change in New England

Sustainable World Syllabus Fall 2013

<p>Syllabus for Sustainable World, Fall 2013</p

Assessing the Integration of Environmental Justice and Sustainability in Practice: A Review of the Literature

The environmental justice (EJ) movement has been a key factor in the United States’ struggle to provide a healthy environment for all to thrive. The origins of the movement date as far back as the 1960’s, led primarily by people of color and low economic status communities living in America’s most polluted environments. More recently, the just sustainability movement calls for the inclusion of EJ considerations, including social justice, equity, and human rights, into sustainability science and initiatives. Whereas previous work has elucidated synergies between both concepts, this paper provides a literature review of studies that apply the concepts of EJ and sustainability in the US to inform ways in which the concepts are merging (or not) for practical applications. The primary objectives of this review are (1) to identify the common themes in which EJ and sustainability are applied, (2) to qualitatively assess the progression of the integration of these important movements in practical applications, and (3) to inform research gaps that exist in this area. In general, we find that despite the increasing conceptual emphasis on the need to integrate these important concepts, the reviewed scholarship reveals that in practice, the integration of EJ and sustainability remains piecemeal

Assessing the Integration of Environmental Justice and Sustainability in Practice: A Review of the Literature

The environmental justice (EJ) movement has been a key factor in the United States’ struggle to provide a healthy environment for all to thrive. The origins of the movement date as far back as the 1960’s, led primarily by people of color and low economic status communities living in America’s most polluted environments. More recently, the just sustainability movement calls for the inclusion of EJ considerations, including social justice, equity, and human rights, into sustainability science and initiatives. Whereas previous work has elucidated synergies between both concepts, this paper provides a literature review of studies that apply the concepts of EJ and sustainability in the US to inform ways in which the concepts are merging (or not) for practical applications. The primary objectives of this review are (1) to identify the common themes in which EJ and sustainability are applied, (2) to qualitatively assess the progression of the integration of these important movements in practical applications, and (3) to inform research gaps that exist in this area. In general, we find that despite the increasing conceptual emphasis on the need to integrate these important concepts, the reviewed scholarship reveals that in practice, the integration of EJ and sustainability remains piecemeal.</jats:p

Experiential Pedagogies for Sustainability Ethics

<p>This poster describes game-based pedagogical strategies for improving ethics education by completing the entire Kolb Learning Cycle.</p> <p>It was originally presented in Oct 2012 at the National Academy of Engineering workshop on the Frontiers of Engineering Education.</p

Creating and developing a comprehensive pediatric physical medicine program: A 10-year experience

PURPOSE: A multi-institutional and multidisciplinary pediatric physical medicine rehabilitation healthcare system was developed to meet regional patient needs. METHODS: A ten-year experience meeting regional patient care needs in northeast Florida and southern Georgia is described. RESULTS: A collaborative effort of multiple institutions resulted in the recruitment of a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in June 2009, followed by planning stages that included initiation, development, and structuring of the program. Phase I: selection of clinic spaces, training of existing staff, creating specialized programs. Phase II: recruitment of an additional physician and dedicated advanced practice registered nurse, hospital nursing and radiology personnel training, development of protocols for specific disease entities, formulating a team approach for patient care, development of dedicated clinics for disease processes. Phase III: incorporating care into existing multidisciplinary clinics, education of existing physical, occupational, and speech therapists in dedicated remote clinics on early detection and management of specialty issues. Phase IV: ongoing education provided by rehabilitation faculty. Quality improvement aspects included outcome studies, coordinating with the Cerebral Palsy Research Network databank, and others. All phases overlapped in time and are ongoing, adapting to new needs. CONCLUSION: A collaborative program can be created to provide comprehensive pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation in regions lacking such a system.</jats:p