This episode from PBS Frontline is crafted more like a story than a news report. It has plot structure and character development that's remarkable. If you want to see how a documentary can be raised to the level of a powerful film, give it a try. The lead character is a female doctor, and her journey is compelling. I don't think any ordinary news report or documentary could … [Read more...] about On the front lines in Italy
health
Coronavirus update (May 2)
Note: I use the term coronavirus because these posts may refer to the virus [SARS-CoV-2], which is a single type of virus, and/or the disease it causes [CoVid-19], which can appear in many different forms, depending in part on the health of the individuals and the presence of a robust health care system and epidemiological approaches. The following recent articles shed … [Read more...] about Coronavirus update (May 2)
Essential workers on strike
As of May 1, workers from the following places are on strike, primarily because those companies are making record profits, but won't protect workers with needed equipment and safe procedures: Amazon Instacart Whole Foods Walmart Target FedEx … [Read more...] about Essential workers on strike
US exceptionalism?
The U.S. really is #1 — In coronavirus deaths, anyway. Out of about 228,000 deaths worldwide, the US — with less than 5% of world population — has about 27% of the deaths.* * It's amazing how often those percentages seem to be repeated — (GHG emissions, energy use, and resource consumption, for example). That puts the US at … [Read more...] about US exceptionalism?
Sustainable Food for Thought
by Eirlys Chui As times are changing, so are the trends we see in today’s food system. People are growing interested in natural, organic, locally sourced, and sustainable food. They are exploring dietary selections such as vegetarian and vegan options that benefit personal health and that of the environment. Yet there are also arising obstacles—environmental degradation, … [Read more...] about Sustainable Food for Thought
Climate Action Planning 2.0
[See link at bottom to download the full report] Executive Summary Developing a comprehensive climate action plan helps municipalities to mitigate climate change and adapt to the coming changes in ways that address people's needs. Climate change is a daunting issue: humanity’s actions have caused the Earth’s greenhouse gases to reach levels not seen for over 120,000 … [Read more...] about Climate Action Planning 2.0
Climate Action Planning for the Lehigh Valley 2.0
→ Executive Summary Introduction Across the nation, cities are responding to climate change by developing and implementing local policies and initiatives. In particular, municipalities have created climate action plans to demonstrate their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and protect their communities from the results of climate change. These plans … [Read more...] about Climate Action Planning for the Lehigh Valley 2.0
Table of Contents (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
Table of Contents Executive Summary [You can download the full report in PDF format.] Introduction Why a Sustainability Impact Assessment?What does Sustainability Mean?Types of Impacts ConsideredThe Easton – Phillipsburg Area Impacts Building Design & SystemsTransportationFoodEducational Programming & OperationsConstruction Recommendations & … [Read more...] about Table of Contents (Sustainability Impact Assessment)
Impacts (Sustainability Impacts Assessment)
This project examines the inter-related facets of climate, community, health, environment, and local economy. While the project focused on the proposed Da Vinci Science City project in Easton, the descriptions below provide an introduction to the various types of impacts to be potentially considered for any new development project. Climate Climate change effects … [Read more...] about Impacts (Sustainability Impacts Assessment)
Sustainability Impact Assessment
In 2018, a team of Alliance interns completed a preliminary sustainability impact assessment on a proposal to construct Da Vinci Science City (DVSC) in Easton. (See link at bottom of page for a PDF of the full report.) Prepared by: Olivia Barz (Lehigh ’19), Ryan Dougherty (Lafayette ’19), Harris Eisenhardt (SUNY–ESF ’19), Ashley Kushner (Lafayette ’19), and … [Read more...] about Sustainability Impact Assessment