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Tuesday, August 14, 2018, 12:00 p.m.
2018 State of the Great Lakes: The Perils of Micro Pollution
The mention of pollution in our lakes, rivers, and oceans often evokes images of sea turtles trapped in the plastic rings that bind aluminum cans together. But while traveling "garbage patches" affect our ocean's, fish, and wildlife, the Great Lakes...
Thursday, August 09, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
Parched: How to Prevent a Day Zero in Cleveland
Cape Town, South Africa, one of Africa's most affluent cities, may be the first city in the world to run out of municipal water. Population growth, overdevelopment, and climate change, coupled with rising inequality and political dysfunction, have converged to...
Friday, June 22, 2018, 12:00 p.m.
Science as Social Change: The Woman who Saved Flint's Children
A few years ago, the country watched in horror as the national media descended on Flint, Michigan. A switch in drinking water sources - from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the Flint River - had caused nearly 100,000...
Monday, June 18, 2018, 6:00 p.m.
Dinner + Dialogue: From Burning River to a Green City on a Blue Lake
June 22, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary since the Cuyahoga River fire. The 1969 fire was by no means the first fire on the river (at least 13 others were reported prior to that) or even the biggest (the...
Friday, March 30, 2018, 12:00 p.m.
The Madhouse Effect: Climate Change Denial in the Age of Trump
Scientists worldwide are in large agreement that global warming is occurring - and that human activity is the cause. Seventy percent of Americans agree, according to a 2016 poll from Yale University. Over the past several decades, efforts at the...
Monday, October 16, 2017, 6:00 p.m.
Global climate change is not just an emerging threat to the environment and public health, it is a current threat to both. Climate change stresses natural ecosystems, undermines our health and wellbeing by contaminating the air we breathe, the water...
Tuesday, August 22, 2017, 4:30 p.m.
Ride and Learn: The Future of Riverfront Development
In June, the Cleveland Metroparks opened the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail, a half-mile multi-modal trail and natural stormwater management system that winds along a railroad right of-way from River Road to the Superior Viaduct. The eventual plan is...
Friday, July 28, 2017, 12:00 p.m.
Paving the Way: What Cleveland Can Learn from the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Across the country, innovative park concepts like New York’s High Line and Chicago’s Millennium Park have attracted attention as cities strive to improve urban place-making and create vibrant green spaces. One such project that produced radical results - and can...
Friday, June 09, 2017, 12:00 p.m.
The original version of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax included the line "I hear things are just as bad up in Lake Erie.” This was in reference to the 1960s declaration that Lake Erie was “dead.” The lake was not, in...
Friday, April 28, 2017, 12:00 p.m.
Breaking the Ice: The Future of Offshore Wind in Northeast Ohio
According to a report recently released by the American Wind Energy Association, wind is now the largest renewable energy source in the United States. The Department of Energy estimates that 20 percent of energy consumed in the U.S. could come...
Thursday, April 27, 2017, 12:00 p.m.
Youth Forum: Energy Innovation - From the Fire to the Future
Northeast Ohio has a long history with industry and sustainability. In 1969 the Cuyahoga River burned, making Cleveland's industry the center of national headlines and simultaneously sparking the catalyst for the passage of the Clean Water Act. Around the country,...
Friday, November 18, 2016, 12:00 p.m.
How the Cuyahoga River Fire Saved the World and Other True-ish Stories
In June 1969, Carl Stokes was one year into his term as the first black mayor of a major U.S. city when the Cuyahoga River caught fire. The 1969 fire was by no means the first fire on the river...
Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 12:00 p.m.
Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution
According to Livable City, public transportation, bikeability, and walkability are key factors in creating liveable cities that attract new citizens and increase productivity, as well as energy efficiency. Nowhere is this more evident than in New York. It has the largest...
Wednesday, September 21, 2016, 12:00 p.m.
Should Conservatives Embrace Clean Energy?
We often forget that Republican presidents are responsible for some of the most ground-breaking environmental legislation, including establishing the Environmental Protection Agency and signing into law the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act. Today, Republican voters still have...
Friday, June 10, 2016, 12:00 p.m.
Ninth Coast Guard District: Ensuring the Safety, Security and Stewardship of Our National Treasure
Rear Admiral June E. Ryan assumed duty as the Ninth Coast Guard District Commander in June 2015. She is the senior Coast Guard Commander for the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway, an area that encompasses eight states, a 1,500...
Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 12:00 p.m.
We Forgot to Pay America’s Water Infrastructure Bill
Once every four years, America’s civil engineers provide a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s major infrastructure categories in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. In the most recent report released in 2013, America's overall...
Tuesday, January 26, 2016, 12:00 p.m.
Climate: Change, Action, and New Energy for 2016
In December, 2015, world leaders from developed countries came together in Paris for the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to discuss initiatives to address climate change. One of the ambitious goals included an aim to achieve a legally binding...
Wednesday, November 11, 2015, 12:00 p.m.
What's Wrong with Lake Erie and How Can We Fix It
In the last several years, the Great Lakes have experienced destructive and toxic algae blooms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted that this year’s algae bloom in Lake Erie could rival that of 2011, the most severe bloom...
Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 12:00 p.m.
Unvironmentalism: How the Sustainability Movement Has Gone Wrong
The contemporary global sustainability movement has seen an almost meteoric rise in the public consciousness. The definition of sustainable development was created in 1987 by the Brundtland Commission and adopted by the United Nations into its bylaws in 1992. Since...
Friday, July 17, 2015, 12:00 p.m.
The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System is a binational waterway connecting world markets to North America’s “Opportunity Belt” – the Great Lakes Region. This vital maritime gateway provides a safe, efficient, environmentally friendly way to move cargo between North...
Friday, June 19, 2015, 12:00 p.m.
Why a Better Agriculture is Our Only Hope for A Stable Climate
Thousands of years of poor farming and ranching practices—and, especially, modern industrial agriculture—have led to the loss of up to 80 percent of carbon from the world’s soils. That carbon is now floating in the atmosphere, and even if we...
Wednesday, May 06, 2015, 12:00 p.m.
A Bird's Eye View of Climate Change
Scientists at the National Audubon Society recently completed the Audubon Birds and Climate Report, a comprehensive, first-of-its kind study that predicts how climate change could affect the ranges of 588 North American birds. The research shows that 314 species of...
Friday, March 27, 2015, 12:00 p.m.
Making a Business Case for the True Value of Water
Water is critical to the health of the United States and world economy. Current economic models put 45 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) at risk due to water quality and quantity challenges by 2050. In a world...
Tuesday, December 16, 2014, 12:00 p.m.
Looking Back at the Year of Zero Waste: A Panel Discussion
Every year leading up to 2019, Cleveland focuses on one of the key areas fundamental to a sustainable economy. 2014 is the Year of Zero Waste for Sustainable Cleveland 2019. By reducing the amount of waste Cleveland produces and sends to...
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 12:00 p.m.
Born and raised in New York City, Adrian Benepe oversaw a major expansion of the New York City park system as the city's Park Commissioner and has served in leadership positions regarding park and public space conservation, design, construction and...
Thursday, September 18, 2014, 7:30 a.m.
Sustainable Cleveland Summit: The Story of Stuff
Sustainability Summit Key Note Address, Annie Leonard, author “The Story of Stuff” Hosted by Sustainable Cleveland. Location: Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, 44114.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014, 12:00 p.m.
County Discussion Table: Jim Schaefer
Jim Schaefer will present alternative views on the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and storm water management. As a business executive Jim Schaefer has saved over 1200 manufacturing jobs in Ohio that would otherwise have been lost to foreign competition....
Friday, May 16, 2014, 12:00 p.m.
David W. Orr is the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics and Special Assistant to the President of Oberlin College. The Oberlin Project was formed out of David Orr's vision of full-spectrum sustainability: an all-encompassing joint venture...
Friday, April 11, 2014, 12:00 p.m.
Find Your Park: The Importance of U.S. National Parks and American Values
Jonathan Jarvis discusses the importance of the U.S. National Parks and how they tie in with American values. He talked about how the parks represent the pioneering spirit of Americans and their desire to explore the unknown. Jarvis also said...
Friday, November 01, 2013, 12:00 p.m.
John Campbell talks about transforming Toronto's lakefront into a vibrant, accessible, economically and environmentally sustainable area. He discusses the obstacles involved with lining up the necessary players in the government and corporate worlds for large-scale development projects. Campbell also talks...
Friday, August 02, 2013, 12:00 p.m.
Brian Zimmerman with Ann Zoller
Brian Zimmerman speaks about the Cleveland Metroparks and the latest developments in the plan for improved and cleaner lakefront parks. He discusses partnerships with different organizations and the importance of support from the citizens, as well as an endowment which...
Friday, July 19, 2013, 12:00 p.m.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett speaks about the work of preserving and promoting the Great Lakes. He touches on the importance of collaboration among politicians in Midwestern states with borders on the Great Lakes in order to ensure the lakes receive...
Friday, April 19, 2013, 12:00 p.m.
Mark Tercek, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, discusses the goals of his organization and what it means to protect the environment on a global scale.
Friday, April 20, 2012, 12:00 p.m.
Thomas Steyer, philanthropist and environmentalist, discusses the promise of advanced energy for Northeast Ohio.
Friday, March 30, 2012, 12:00 p.m.
Michael Chadsey of Energy in Depth Ohio and Jack Shaner of Ohio Environmental Council discuss both sides of the debate over fracking, or natural gas drilling, in Ohio. Moderated by Dan Moulthrop of the Civic Commons.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 12:00 p.m.
The Honorable Kenneth Salazar, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior, discusses the urgency for energy independence and his belief that the process of "fracking" can be done safely.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 12:00 p.m.
Pets Gone Wild! A Panel Discussion on Exotic Animal Legislation
Anne Glausser, Health and Science Reporter for ideastream, moderates this discussion on legislation regarding exotic animal ownership within the state of Ohio.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 12:00 p.m.
Dr. Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, discusses new energy sources and America's need to be a leader in developing energy-efficient technologies. Audio difficulties caused a glitch during Dr. Chu's speech, and resulted in one minute of...
Friday, September 23, 2011, 12:00 p.m.
Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Co-founder, Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., speaks about his company and the importance of alternative energies for our future.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 12:00 p.m.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History SmartHome Panel
Dr. Evalyn Gates, Mark Hoberecht and Chuck Miller speak about the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's PNC SmartHome Cleveland exhibit and how to be smart about home energy conservation. Moderated by Holly Harlan.
Friday, June 10, 2011, 12:00 p.m.
Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO, The Humane Society of the United States, speaks about what we must do about animal cruelty and his book titled "The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them."
Friday, April 22, 2011, 12:00 p.m.
Steve H. Taylor, Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, speaks about local zoos, global research, and the present and future of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 12:00 p.m.
Brian Zimmerman, Executive Director, The Cleveland MetroParks, speaks about his background in park systems, where the MetroParks is today as a result of the five previous directors, and where they are headed in the future.
Friday, May 21, 2004, 12:00 p.m.
Carl Pope, executive director, Sierra Club, speaks about the ways in which "hard right" ideology threaten environmental progress.
Friday, June 13, 2003, 12:00 p.m.
Amory B. Lovins, CEO and co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, speaks as part of the Stanley and Hope Adelstein endowed forum on the environment.
Friday, April 20, 2001, 12:00 p.m.
William McDonough is the founder of William McDonough and Partners Architects and Community Designers, an international firm which has received acclaim for its ecological design work, and co-founder of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry. In 1996 he received the Presidential Award...
Friday, December 19, 1997, 12:00 p.m.
Myron Orfield, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Research Corporation, discusses the results of the center's studies on socio-economic, fiscal, and land use in U.S. metropolitan areas
Friday, August 16, 1996, 12:00 p.m.
Carol M. Browner, administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the Clinton administration presents a progress report on "A new generation of environmental protection means reinventing the process, the system of regulations, so that we can provide better protection than ever...
Friday, March 10, 1995, 12:00 p.m.
Paul Hawken, environmentalist and entrepreneur, created the catalog and retail company Smith and Hawken and is the author of "The Ecology of Commerce." He discusses his book with a City Club audiences.
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