Monday, August 31, 2015

Wind turbines go where eagles dare

Collisions with wind turbines kill about 100 golden eagles a year in some locations, but a new study that maps both potential wind-power sites and nesting patterns of the birds reveals sweet spots, where potential for wind power is greatest with a lower threat to nesting eagles.

Brad Fedy, a professor in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo, and Jason Tack, a PhD student at Colorado State University, took nesting data from a variety of areas across Wyoming, and created models using a suite of environmental variables and referenced them against areas with potential for wind development. The results of their research appear in PLOS ONE.

Increased mortalities threaten the future of long-lived species and, when a large bird like a golden eagle is killed by wind development, the turbine stops, causes temporary slowdowns and can result in fines to operators.

“We can’t endanger animals and their habitats in making renewable energy projects happen,” said Professor Fedy, a researcher in Waterloo’s Department of Environment and Resource Studies. “Our work shows that it’s possible to guide development of sustainable energy projects, while having the least impact on wildlife populations.”

Golden eagles are large-ranging predators of conservation concern in the United States. With the right data, stakeholders can use the modelling techniques the researchers employed to reconcile other sustainable energy projects with ecological concerns.

“Golden eagles aren’t the only species affected by these energy projects, but they grab people’s imaginations," said Professor Fedy. "We hope that our research better informs collaboration between the renewable energy industry and land management agencies.”

An estimated 75 to 110 golden eagles die at a wind-power generation operation in Altamont, California each year. This figure represents about one eagle for every 8 megawatts of energy produced. 

Professor Fedy’s map predictions cannot replace on-the-ground monitoring for potential risk of wind turbines on wildlife populations, though they provide industry and managers a useful framework to first assess potential development.

Image by Xavier Fargas (iStockThinkstock).

Proposals sought for peacebuilding gathering

Plans are underway at Conrad Grebel University College to host a Global Mennonite Peacebuilding Conference and Festival in June 2016. In addition to academic papers, workshops, and networking opportunities, the event is intended to be a festival that will include art, drama, and music.

"Mennonites are known across the globe for their historic peace positions and more recently, for proactive conflict transformation and peacebuilding activity," says a statement from Conrad Grebel. "This conference and festival will bring together academics, practitioners, artists, and church workers from around the world, to dialogue and reflect on Mennonite peacebuilding accomplishments, failures, challenges, and opportunities in varied international settings, both past and present."

“It is a privilege for MWC to partner with Grebel in convening a global Mennonite peacemaking summit," says Jack Suderman, secretary of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Peace Commission. "The vocation of peacemaking seems urgent in our world of non-peace, and it makes sense for Peace Churches to come together to strengthen their efforts and to stand in solidarity with each other as they face this daunting challenge." Suderman is also part of a 10 member international Advisory Group for the event.

With a goal of exploring traditions and contemporary expressions of Anabaptist and Mennonite peace beliefs and practices, this gathering will bring together academics and practitioners to learn from each other. “We also want to create spaces for artistic expression,” said Professor Marlene Epp, co-chair of the Grebel organizing committee. “Literature, music, drama, and visual art all make powerful statements about peace. These forms of communication will also bring a festive atmosphere to the gathering.” 

Peace and Conflict Studies faculty member Reina Neufeldt, is also co-chair. “Our conference logo symbolizes one emphasis amongst Mennonite peacebuilders today, which is transforming conflict at the grassroots. We are looking forward to hosting participants from all over the globe in order to hear each other, expand our understanding of Mennonite peacebuilding work, and think together.” Conrad Grebel is home to a growing master’s program in Peace and Conflict Studies as well as the MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement. 

“This conference is an opportunity for Mennonite self-reflection,” says Lisa Schirch, a member of the Advisory Group and Research Professor at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg Virginia. “What have Mennonites learned in 500 years of working for peace? What has our own trauma, the trauma of others we have worked with, and the struggle for justice and peace taught us?”   

By raising extra funds especially for international travel, organizers hope to maximize participation of individuals from the global south as well as other voices that are heard less at Mennonite conference gatherings.

A call to submit proposals by October 1 has been issued to academics, artists, practitioners, church workers, students, activists. Details are available in 4 languages on the event website. 

Notes as the hay comes creaking to the barn

Professor Mary Wells has launched a book she co-authored with Anne Millar called Women of Impact. The book profiles the professional and personal lives of 18 female engineers and scientists who work in mining, metallurgy and materials in Canada.

The next Community of Advisors Coffee Chat is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 2 from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. in MC 4042.

Entitled "Understanding and engaging our students," the event will feature presenters Melissa Fritz and Kirsty Budd of the Student Success Office, who will spill the beans on "what we know about our current Waterloo students and their communications preferences. After the presentation, there will be opportunities for discussions with colleagues about how you can make use of this information in your role."

Community of Advisors Coffee Chats are monthly opportunities for Waterloo faculty and staff to connect, network, share and listen, all while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. The events are informal gatherings where participants engage in professional development, participate in a dialogue about best practices within the field of advising and learn about the different services and resources available on campus.