Welcome to the Sustainability Initiative at UMass Dartmouth.
Sustainability is the most pressing and far-reaching paradigm of the new millennium … the re-evolution of the 21st century. Not only does it touch on many aspects of social and bio-physical sciences, economics, business and policy-making, finding solutions to sustainability-related challenges requires a more intensely trans-disciplinary team approach than has been mapped-out for any other subject in history.
The Sustainability Initiative at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth serves as a catalyst for action, taking a leadership role in transforming academic and practical training, engaging in the community to further sustainability efforts, sponsoring sustainability efforts at the university and redeveloping our region for a sustainable future. It encompasses Sustainability Studies, the Office of Campus and Community Sustainability, and a Center for Green Jobs Training.
We look forward to hearing from you with any questions about the Sustainability Initiative at UMass Dartmouth.
What's new?
A lot of stuff has to change. But many of us seem too busy to do anything about it. Jobs, kids, leisure, entertainment. Why would I use my precious free time engaged in changing my community when I could spend my spare time enjoying the great outdoors?
Because I cannot have a great outdoors without helping to protect it from the external costs of progress. Read the full excerpt here
In the amazing world of animals, there are many that use poisons as a defense against predation...but they are usually insects, amphibians, reptiles or fish. This African Crested Rat, which looks like a skunk, chews toxic bark from trees and licks its fur to gain the desired deadly effect. In an article about investigations into this rat, we can learn too about the amazing adaptations of other unusual mammals who use toxins to ward off danger. It's a great reminder of the ingenuity of nature.
In a win for wildlife, the ancient Atlantic Sturgeon, which has long been sought after for its roe for caviar, is now being listed as endangered. It's another example of environmental law needing to step in when mankind's lust for delicacies leads people to ignore dwindling resources until it's almost too late. For some fun, view the natural wonders of this Smithsonian slide show that reveals the structures hidden under fish scales. Read the latest sustainability news and events in our Sustainability Almanac.
