Global warming for Reedies (and their families & friends)

This summer you will be traveling, working, reconnecting with family and friends. At some point, maybe on some unseasonably hot/cold day, someone will mention global warming. What will you say when its your turn to talk?

Well, have no fear. A new book, “The Hot Topic: What We Can Do About Global Warming” by Gabrielle Walker and Sir David King (Harcourt Books, 2008, ISBN 978-0-15-603318-3), can be a source of information and a source of inspiration. The authors are, respectively, the climate change editor at Nature magazine (GW) and the United Kingdom’s chief scientific advisor (DK), so credibility isn’t an issue. Cost isn’t an issue either; the paperback costs only $14 brand new (even cheaper used at Amazon or your local bookstore?).

What the book covers:

• A description of the problem: what causes global warming, how we know what we know, and what the consequences might be
• A description of possible technological solutions: what you and others can be doing to alleviate the problem
• A description of possible political solutions: what governments should be doing
• A brilliant appendix called “Climate Myths, Half-Truths, and Misconceptions”
• A useful glossary of terms connected to global warming

There is only one drawback to this book (and whether you see it as a strength or weakness depends on how much you already know and what more you would like to know): it is short. It attempts to say a lot in just under 250 small paperback pages (you can read the entire book in a day or two). This means that the level and depth of presentation are fairly low and relatively shallow, respectively. Think Time magazine. On the other hand, this makes the material extraordinarily approachable. And, there are many many references to other work for those who would like to read more deeply.

So if you are having a hard time getting Dad or Sis on board with the global warming problem, or you would just like a more complete view of the big enchilada, grab this book and read.

Green Events in Portland, April 11-20

I thought I would alert you to some upcoming Earth Day (Apr 19) stuff too, but you don’t have to wait until then to find something interesting to do:

• Filmed by Bike Film Festival. Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13 at Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St, Portland (about 2 miles from campus; cross SE Powell at SE 26th, go about 0.5 mile to next stop sign and look at all the crazy cyclists, or better yet, take the #10 bus from campus directly to the theater). Every Reed grad who wants to tell people, “hey, I lived in Portland for 4 years,” should stand in this line at least once in their college life.
• The Silent Invasion. Monday, April 14, 6:30-8 PM at Cascade Crest Banquet Room, Oregon Zoo. FREE public screening of OPB-produced film on social, economic, and environmental costs of invasive species.
• Northwest Solar Expo. Saturday, April 19 (10 AM-6 PM) – Sunday, April 20 (10 AM-4 PM) at Oregon Convention Center. Ready to attach a solar water heater to your dorm? Want some photovoltaics for the lab? Just want to see what’s available for businesses and residences? The Expo will show what has come to Portland. $12 admission (but talk to me and I can get you a $2 discount).
• Dance of the Dinosaur (Earth Day Celebration. Saturday, April 19, 10 AM-10 PM at Overlook Park in North Portland. 150 booths. 3 entertainment stages. Sponsored by City Repair Project.

Green Events in Portland, April 4-13

Need to get away from campus this weekend? Want to get a jump on Earth Day (Apr 19)? Take a green break:

• Design Green Now. Friday, April 4, 6 – 8:30 PM at The Art Institute, 1122 NW Davis Ave, Portland (Pearl district). Hear panel discussion on how to match green style with green function. Admission: FREE.
• Rain Garden Workshop. Saturday, April 5, 9 AM – 12 PM at Leach Botanical Garden. You must pre-register (details at web page). By the way, if you’ve never been out to the Leach Garden (about 5 miles due east of campus), it is one of Portland’s hidden treasures and you can visit the garden for free.
• Hike: Bird Watching for Beginners on Sauvie Island. Saturday, April 5, 8 AM – 12 PM. Spring migration is underway. Explore Portland’s prime meet-and-greet place for migrating birds. Sponsored by Portland Audubon. Workshop is limited to 15 people. Call ahead.
• Pollution and Toxins Brown Bag (Lunch). Tuesday, April 8, 12 -1 PM at US Bank Room in Multnomah County Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave, Portland (downtown, next to MAX). Sponsored by Oregon Environmental Council. Learn what toxins have turned up in Oregonians (and think about how green chemists might change this). Admission: FREE.
• Filmed by Bike Film Festival. Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13 at Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton St, Portland (about 2 miles from campus; cross SE Powell at SE 26th, go about 0.5 mile to next stop sign and look at all the crazy cyclists, or better yet, take the #10 bus from campus directly to the theater). Every Reed grad who wants to tell people, “hey, I lived in Portland for 4 years,” should stand in this line at least once in their college life.

Want to know more about upcoming hikes, rides, and green events in Portland, check out our community calendars page.