A long overdue peak oil post

It’s been a while since I posted anything about peak oil and climate change, so here are a couple of recent related stories.

Because of the wacky weather across North America the last few weeks, it seems more and more people are thinking about climate change. Top of the list is an excerpt from an upcoming book you can check out on Scientific American. Concerning both peak oil and climate change it takes a look at a quintessitially American town and what the author believes will happen to it in over the next few decades.

-Also worth checking out is the National Wildlife Foundation's article about what we might expect, in terms of mental health, in a world shaped by global warming and climate change.

-We already know that man-made noise affects human beings and other mammals, now we know that it affects plants and their pollinators as well. Note to self or anyone else looking for a research project: Green roof and green wall studies need to be done to compare the performances of common green roof plants on noisy versus noise free environments.

One last somber read for this week. In the Southeastern USA there is a water battle pitting Georgia (spurred into action by Atlanta’s sprawling growth) against neighbors Florida and Alabama. Things don’t look good for the ATL.

-While there are massive concerns around the globe, I am folks are continuing to make changes for the betterment of their local communities. Minneapolis has good news for urban agriculture enthusiasts.

-And in the Bronx students planted dozens of fruit trees. Hopefully this is the start of an East Coast food forest.

Green Roof volunteer opportunity- Bronx, New York

For those in the NY area, a very rare chance to be involved with green roofing and/or permaculture and learn some tricks of the trade.

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Green Roof Project Associate

Location: Bronx, New York, 10454, United States
Organization: Friends of Brook Park
Language(s): English
Start date: February 20, 2010
Last day to apply: February 26, 2010
Paid or unpaid: Unpaid
Skill(s): Other
End date: June 21, 2010
Last updated: January 21, 2010

Description:

*We are looking for a part time winter/spring/summer intern to work on implementing our green roof. Green
roofs are engineered systems that places low maintenance vegetation on rooftops. Primary responsibilities will be assit in design and general garden maintenance: planting, weeding, composting, irrigation design of rainwater catchment system, documenting ecology, etc. Roof sites is in the South Bronx. Possible bee-keeping component.

This is a great opportunity for an individual who may already be familiar with green roof technology, however this is knowledge or previous experience not required!*

* *

*Various duties the intern may encounter:*

1. Work in the field on green roof project
2. Frequent seasonal green roof horticultural maintenance; Weed and compost management; Establish irrigation management on new green roof project
3. Document ecology on roof, to include plant species identification (wanted and unwanted species), insects, and birds.
Submit digital images and written documentation; Document and fix physical changes on roof- edging, gravel misplacement, garbage, etc.
4. Pick up and select plant material from greenhouse. Help develop new relationships with funders. Maintain plant inventory.
5. Assist in establishing green roof research plots.
6. Assist in establishing quality control and service protocols.
7. Assist in installing new green roof projects in the region.
8. Assist in green roof design using CAD.
9. Learn new systems. Create a library of different products and materials used- to include roofing membranes, protection fabric, drainage systems, soil, plants, edging, etc. Identify new products and vendors.
10. Update project leads information.
11. Identify financial incentives (local and regional) for potential clients to feasibly install a green roof.

*Additional:*

1. Be able to work alone or with a small crew in a timely and professional manner while on site or in the office.
2. Be flexible with daily and weekly tasks.
3. Arrive on time, and have 100% attendance- rain or shine.
4. Be willing to attend seminars, lectures, and possible conferences after hours.

Application instructions:

*Please email your letter resume, cover letter, and availability to informationATfriendsofbrookpark.org. Seeking two interns at 5 hours a week at least for three months to start. Please no generic inquiries.

Permalink:http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Internship/147781-91/c