[DIALOGnews] DIALOG and DISCCRS News 12/09/2005
Susan Bennett
bennetsk at whitman.edu
Fri Dec 9 16:23:41 CST 2005
DIALOG and DISCCRS News
12/09/2005
************************************
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESOURCES
UNFCCC Web Casts for COP11 and COP/MOP1
http://unfccc.streamlogics.com/unfccc/agenda.asp
Climate meeting blogging - links provided on RealClimate web site:
http://www.realclimate.org/index.php?p=226
SCIENCE NEWS
Collectively seeing climate change: The limits of formal models.
(see abstract below)
Practicing interdisciplinarity.
(see abstract below)
FORUM
Comment on Rolling Stone's "Warriors & Heroes Against Global Warming"
-- Don't forget the heroines and women warriors as well!
(see below)
JOBS
Post-doc fellowships - Human Dimensions of Global Change (deadline
for 2006 applications is 5 January 2006).
http://www.asp.ucar.edu, http://www.sere.ucar.edu/, http://
www.isse.ucar.edu/
France - 3 post docs, 2 database managers for the REMIGE program
(Behavioural and Demographic Response to Climate Change of Indian
Ocean Marine Top Predators)
(see below)
Climate Mitigation Specialist, EPA's Office of Air & Radiation,
Office of Atmospheric Programs, Climate Change Division
(see below)
Carleton University, Ontario, Canada, Department of Political Science
(see below)
Position as Experienced Researcher available in GREENCYCLES at the
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
(see below)
Post-Graduate Fellowship, Washington DC, for developing country
students to work in START's global change research activities and
capacity building program.
(see below)
Clark University (Massachusetts, USA) - 2 tenure-track positions in
International Development and Social Change (IDCE)
(see below)
***************************************************
Science News
Collectively seeing climate change: The limits of formal models.
Richard B. Norgaard, Paul Bear in BioScience 55 (11, 2005): 61-966
Understanding the risks posed by anthropogenic climate change and
the possible societal responses to those risks has generated a
prototypical example of the challenge of "collectively seeing complex
systems." After briefly examining the ways in which problems like
climate change reach the scientific and public agenda, we look at
four different ways in which scientists collectively address the
problem: general circulation models, integrated assessment models,
formal assessments (e.g., the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change), and distributed learning networks. We examine the strengths
and limitations of each of these methods, and suggest ways in which a
greater self-consciousness of the need for plural approaches could
improve the basis for learning and decision-making.
********************
Practicing interdisciplinarity.
by Sharachchandra Lele and Richard B. Norgaard in BioScience 55
(11, 2005) : 967-975
We explore the practical difficulties of interdisciplinary
research in the context of a regional- or local-scale project. We
posit four barriers to interdisciplinarity that are common across
many disciplines and draw on our own experience and on other sources
to explore how these barriers are manifested. Values enter into
scientific theories and data collection through scientists' hidden
assumptions about disciplines other than their own, through the
differences between quantitative and interpretive social sciences,
and through roadblocks created by the organization of academia and
the relationship between academics and the larger society.
Participants in interdisciplinary projects need to be self-reflective
about the value judgments embedded in their choice of variables and
models. They should identify and use a core set of shared concerns to
motivate the effort, be willing to respect and to learn more about
the "other," be able to work with new models and alternative
taxonomies, and allow for plurality and incompleteness.
***************************************************
Forum
Comment on Rolling Stone's "Warriors & Heroes Against Global Warming"
-- Don't forget the heroines and women warriors as well!
Dear Editors,
I noted with great appreciation that you have decided in your
November 2005 issue to highlight people who are actively working to
raise public awareness about global warming and who are laboring to
create actual change in policy and business operations to reduce our
heat-trapping greenhouse gas emissions. As a researcher in this
field myself, I know several of these individuals, greatly
appreciate their courageous and useful work. I would consider
several of them my mentors. So thank you, and bravo for directing
the limelight on those who fight the good fight for our climate.
Your list, however, struck me as partial indeed. For starters
it's an almost exclusively American, and almost exclusively male
list - which is awfully narrow. In science, policy, business, and
civic society women are crucial movers and shakers! Take, for
example, the chairwoman of the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change, Joke Waller Hunter, who just recently died. Or
how about Abby Young at the International Council for Local
Environmental Initiative, who is rounding up city after city in this
country to join the Cities for Climate Protection campaign? Not to
speak of all the women artists (dancers, musicians, poets, actors
and writers) who are finding creative ways to bring global warming
to the people. What about the countless female activists in the
growing climate justice movement who are working their legs off to
make sure we're not forgetting those who will be hardest hit by
global warming and who are least equipped to do anything about it?
These women illustrate another critical shortcoming of your list: it
looks only at the grasstops and higher. The most interesting,
innovative work in raising Americans' awareness of climate change,
and actually getting people to reduce their emissions, is happening
at the grassroots.
Here is to the heroines and women warriors who are tirelessly
working to protect our climate!
Sincerely, Susanne C. Moser, Ph.D.
Web: http://www.isse.ucar.edu/moser/index.html
***************************************************
Jobs
Planktonnet: Great listserv for aquatic-science jobs
To subscribe to the list, send an empty email to:
planktonnet-subscribe at yahoogroups.com
Or, visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/planktonnet/ and click on
'Join this group'
France - 3 post docs, 2 database managers for the REMIGE program
(Behavioural and Demographic Response to Climate Change of Indian
Ocean Marine Top Predators)
As part of the program REMIGE (Behavioural and Demographic
Response to Climate Change of Indian Ocean Marine Top Predators)
financed by ANR (French Agency for Research Funding) we are
recruiting 3 post docs and 2 Data base managers for the program.
-Post Doc 1 : Biochemical and Ecosystem modeller
-Post Doc 2 : IBM Modeller
-Post Doc 3 : Demographic Modelling
-Data Base Manager 1
-Data base Manager 2
Data base managers must speak and write perfectly French
The 5 Positions are described in the attached pdf files. Please
contact and send a complete CV to the person responsible for each
profile. Objective of the Program: REMIGE is a 3 years program
whose objective is to understand and predict how the environmental
variability influence and will influence the functioning of marine
ecosystems by using a series of top predators which integrate
spatially and temporally the variability of trophic webs, as bio-
indicators. We will use long term series on populations of large
predatory fishes, seabirds and marine mammals to estimate functional
relationships between environmental variability and the foraging
behaviour and demography of these predators. We will compare the life
history strategies of predators in four biomes of the Indian Ocean,
from tropical to Antarctic waters. The ultimate goal of the program
is to test whether climate changes will have contrasted effects
according to the biomes, the structure of trophic webs and the life
history of predators. The program will 1) simulate numeric fields of
secondary production from physical and biochemical models 2) use long
term data bases existing on the demography and distribution at sea
(from tracking and observations at sea) of predators 3) to
characterise the habitats exploited by predators. The spatio-temporal
coherence between 1) and 3) will be evaluated retrospectively and
projection will be made under scenarios of climate change to 4)
predict the distribution and demography of predators using Individual
Based Models and continuous eulerian models.
Laboratories involved: CNRS Chizé, IRD Sète, LEMAR (Université de
Brest), LOCEAN (Université de Paris 6), Muséum National d Histoire
Naturelle, INRA Sophia Antipolis, Université de la Réunion, Ecole
Normale Supérieure, Université de la Réunion.
Email DISCCRS research assistant Jennifer Marlon at
jennmarlon at gmail.com and she will send you the PDF flyer describing
the positions in detail.
********************
Climate Mitigation Specialist, EPA's Office of Air & Radiation,
Office of Atmospheric Programs, Climate Change Division
Climate Mitigation Specialist: Forestry & Agriculture Office of
Air & Radiation, Office of Atmospheric Programs Climate Change
Division, Climate Analysis Branch
The Climate Change Division (CCD) is responsible for developing
the official U.S. inventory of greenhouse gases (GHGs); conducting
economic analyses of the mitigation of GHGs; assessing long-term
projections of climate change, including potential impacts to human
health and the environment; and coordinating domestic and
international policies relating to climate change.
This position is in the Climate Analysis Branch (CAB), which is
responsible for designing and carrying out analyses related to
assessing long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) scenarios, land-use change
and carbon sequestration, climate impacts, adaptation, and integrated
assessment. In addition, the Branch is responsible for conducting
analyses of the economic effects of greenhouse gas emission
reductions and carbon sequestration, including reductions related to
greenhouse gas intensities, capital vintaging, and technological
diffusion.
An important function of the CAB is to provide analytical support
to policy efforts to reduce emissions of methane and other non-CO2
gases in support of the U.S. Administration's programs to partner
with industry to cost-effectively reduce GHG emissions.
The new Climate Mitigation Specialist for Forestry & Agriculture
will focus primarily on developing and assessing data and analyses
of terrestrial carbon sequestration and land-based GHG emissions and
mitigation potential, using economic models, including sector-
specific forestry and agriculture economic models as well as
computable general equilibrium models. Work undertaken will involve
characterization of mitigation opportunities in the forestry and
agriculture sectors, development of data needed to assess the costs
and benefits of such opportunities, and design, implementation, and
management of economic analyses for these sectors.
The ideal candidate will have at least a master's degree--either
in forestry, agricultural and/or natural resource economics; or,
environmental policy with an economics concentration, have experience
in the application of microeconomic theory, and possess strong
analytical, communication, and presentation skills. Experience with
the processes of GHG emission and abatement from the agriculture and
forestry sectors is desirable. Experience in climate change analysis
and familiarity with climate change policy, as well as environmental
and development economics, are preferred, but not required. The
candidate must also have a strong commitment to environmental
protection, excellent writing skills, a high energy level, strong
quantitative skills, the confidence to conduct new analysis, and some
project management experience. Domestic and international travel may
be required.
U.S. citizenship is required.
The salary range is GS-9 to GS-13 ($41,815 - $93,742), dependent
upon qualifications. If interested, please e-mail a cover letter and
resume to the following contact:
Marian Smoak
USEPA (6207J)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
E-mail: smoak.marian at epa.gov
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
This invitation for resumes is an opportunity for you to
introduce yourself to us. It is not an official job application
process. All job openings will be announced in the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's EZ-hire website (http://www.epa.gov/ezhire). EPA
is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for these positions will
be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion,
age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability,
sexual orientation, marital or family status, or any other non-merit
factors. U.S. citizenship is required.
********************
Carleton University, Ontario, Canada, Department of Political Science
Subject to budgetary approval, the Department of Political
Science invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the
rank of assistant professor effective July 1, 2006. The successful
candidate will demonstrate an expertise in Politics and the
Environment. While the precise specialization remains open, we are
especially interested in candidates who demonstrate expertise in one
or more of the following sub-fields: international environmental
politics, Canadian environmental politics and policy, or the
environment and the developing world.
Applicants must have a completed Ph.D. and a demonstrated
commitment to effective teaching and research. A strong record of
publications is desirable and we expect the successful candidate to
continue a research program yielding high-quality peer-reviewed
publications. Applications, including curriculum vitae and at least
three confidential letters of reference, should be made to:
Professor Chris Brown, Chair
Department of Political Science
B640 Loeb Building
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1S 5B6
The closing date for applications is January 15, 2006, or until
the position is filled.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. The
applications of Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given
priority. Carleton University is committed to equality of employment
for women, Aboriginal peoples, visible minorities, and persons with
disabilities. Persons from these groups are encouraged to apply.
********************
Position as Experienced Researcher available in GREENCYCLES at the
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
GREENCYCLES is a European Union funded Research and Training
Network on Biogeochemistry and Climate Change
We seek an experienced researcher in carbon/climate coupling and
terrestrial hot spots. An academic degree in environmental sciences
or a related field, very good programming skills and knowledge of
state-of-the-art modelling approaches for biosphere/climate processes
are essential.
You should have over 4 yr relevant research experience or a PhD,
and have less than 10 yr of research experience (counted from the
time you obtained a degree allowing you access to doctoral studies in
the country where you obtained it) when you take up the appointment.
The desired starting date is March 1, 2006, and the duration is 24
months.
Due to the nature of Marie Curie funding, applicants must
currently reside outside of Germany. The selected candidate will
spend extended periods of time at other laboratories of the
GREENCYCLES network.
The initial application deadline has expired, but we will
consider additional applications of highly competent candidates
before assembling the final shortlist.
To apply please send your CV, a letter of intent explaining your
motivations and interests in this position, and the contact details
of 2-3 academic referees to the network manager (Anne Armstrong,
LSCE, France) by e-mail: anne.armstrong at cea.fr
Women and residents of new EU member states are particularly
encouraged to apply.
For further questions about GREENCYCLES or about this particular
position, please consult the GREENCYCLES website http://
www.greencycles.org, the website of the PIK Biosphere Group http://
portal.pik-potsdam.de/dept/nat/biosphere/, Alberte Bondeau
Alberte.Bondeau at pik-potsdam.de or Wolfgang Cramer Wolfgang.Cramer at pik-
potsdam.de.
********************
Post-Graduate Fellowship, Washington DC, for developing country
students to work in START's global change research activities and
capacity building program.
Post-Graduate Fellowship tenable at the Washington, DC office of
START, to assist in the development and implementation of START's
global change research activities and capacity building in developing
countries.
This Fellowship is aimed at developing country students currently
completing graduate degree programs in the US. The Fellowship term
will be up to 12 months.
START is a non-governmental global environmental change research
and capacity building program based in Washington, DC, with regional
offices in Bangkok, Beijing, Nairobi, New Delhi and Suva (see http://
www.start.org).
Responsibilities may include program coordination; preparation
and synthesis of reports, including review of project proposals
related to climate change and adaptation; project administration; and
organization of international workshops.
Applicants should have, or be near completion of, an advanced
degree in a field related to global environmental change. Excellent
communication skills, both oral and written are needed. Must be
organized, results oriented, and a self-starter with the ability to
be a team player in a small office environment.
A stipend will be provided commensurate with qualifications and
experience. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume,
including the names and contact information of three references and
sample of writing as soon as possible to:
Patricia Sipher
Program Coordinator
International START Secretariat
2000 Florida Avenue, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20009
Email: psipher at agu.org
********************
Clark University (Massachusetts, USA) - 2 tenure-track positions in
International Development and Social Change (IDCE)
The Department of International Development, Community, and
Environment (IDCE) at Clark University has expanded its search and
now seeks to fill TWO tenure-track positions in International
Development and Social Change to begin Academic Year 2006-07. It is
expected that one of these positions will be filled at an advanced
assistant or associate professor level. Significant field research
and/or applied experience in developing countries is essential. Ph.D.
or equivalent in any relevant discipline is required. Discipline and
area are open: we expect to hire one individual with experience in
Africa and one individual with expertise in another area. Candidates
should be able to teach courses supporting Master's level programs in
international development, as well as undergraduate courses. Primary
areas of expertise should include two or more of the following areas:
environment, humanitarian assistance, food security, gender and
development, community participation and empowerment, non-
governmental organizations, involuntary relocation, conflict/post-
conflict and development, and health.
Clark's interdisciplinary department in International
Development, Community, and Environment includes a core faculty of
sixteen members and a larger group of affiliate faculty engaged in
interdisciplinary teaching, research, and programmatic activities.
Please visit our website for more information: http://www.clarku.edu/
departments/idce Applicants should show a strong commitment to
working collaboratively within a cross-disciplinary program.
Application should include curriculum vitae, a list of references,
and a detailed statement of interest including research foci and
teaching philosophy. These should be sent should be sent to
electronically to lkaub at clarku.edu or mailed to Chair, ID Search
Committee, IDCE, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA
01610. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2005 and
continue until the position is filled. AA/EOE. Women and minorities
are especially encouraged to apply.
**************************************************
This newsletter has been developed by C. Susan Weiler to distribute
information of potential interest to recent PhDs engaged in
interdisciplinary aquatic science or climate-change research, and to
build an international sense of community among recent grads. It
provides an international forum for the exchange of information and
opinions regarding research, professional and social issues. The
views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the
funding agencies or sponsoring societies. Dr. Weiler reserves the
right to edit or reject material submitted to the list.
Please submit announcements of interest to recent PhDs to
phd at whitman.edu. Send a short message in the body of an e-mail
message, and link to any appropriate websites. Do not send attachments.
Moving? Send address changes to dialog at whitman.edu or
disccrs at whitman.edu
**********
C. Susan Weiler, Ph.D.
Office for Earth System Studies Tel: 509-527-5948
Whitman College Fax: 509-527-5961
Walla Walla, WA 99362
weiler at whitman.edu
Programs for Recent PhDs http://aslo.org/phd.html
DIALOG poster http://www.aslo.org/phd/dialogposter.pdf
DISCCRS poster http://www.aslo.org/phd/disccrsposter.pdf
Workshop Report, Meeting the Needs of
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Graduates in a
Changing Global Environment
http://marcus.whitman.edu/~weilercs/biocomplexity/
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