Southern Fried Science

Biodiversity Wednesday: The Green Spaces of New York

April 6, 2011April 5, 2011 Andrew Thaler

Uncategorized

Biodiversity matters, even in the heart of one of America’s largest cities. New York City is possibly one of the most altered environments in which humans live. Even here, among the towering buildings of the concrete jungle, there are green spaces, and in these green spaces, biodiversity thrives.

Winners of the 2011 Flat Grok Contest

April 5, 2011April 4, 2011 Andrew Thaler 1 Comment

Popular Culture

Last month the Nicholas School of the Environment held its annual Green in 3 video competition. This year they asked participants to submit a 30 second clip that illuminates their personal sustainable practices. Six winner were selected. You may recognize some of you favorite Fry-entists (and their flock of now much larger chickens) among the … Read More “Winners of the 2011 Flat Grok Contest” »

Book Review: A year at Lazy Point

April 5, 2011April 13, 2011 Andrew Thaler 8 Comments

Conservation, Science

I adored Song for the Blue Ocean. The first time I read it was a formative moment in my development as a young marine biologist and conservationist. When I picked up Eye of the Albatross and, later, Voyage of the Turtle, I expected that same magic, but could not find it. Safina’s subsequent books were not bad. Both were evocative, beautifully written, and stirring tributes to the natural world. But their stories felt too familiar, like listening to a contemporary symphony built around a Bach fugue or watching a remake of a classic movie. So I approached The View from Lazy Point with the same expectations, as yet another supplement to Song for the Blue Ocean. I was mistaken.

What is Sustainability Science?

April 5, 2011April 5, 2011 Bluegrass Blue Crab 1 Comment

Science

The term sustainability is a muddy one, covered in marketing efforts and political baggage. So when someone says they study sustainability or are part of the field of sustainability science, what does that mean? The discipline actually refers to a fairly well-defined subject borne out of the call for interdisciplinary research, especially between ecology and the social sciences. At its heart, the field is based in the need to provide food, fuel, and fiber to current and future residents of planet earth. In other words, it’s the science behind the Brundtland Commission’s oft-cited goals of sustainable development and hopes to understand and create long-term integrity of the biosphere and human well-being.

Beneath the Waves Film Festival: Some Things Aren’t Reversible

April 4, 2011April 4, 2011 David Shiffman 1 Comment

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The latest 2011 Beneath the Waves Film Festival movie, Some Things Aren’t Reversible, comes to us from students at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies (USC). Students in Dr. Randy Olson’s course had 48 hours to write, film, and edit their movies.

What does sustainability mean to you?

April 4, 2011April 10, 2011 Andrew Thaler 13 Comments

Uncategorized

The word ‘sustainable’ has been appearing everywhere recently. New eco-friendly products, certain fisheries, agricultural and land management programs, even new housing developments bear the sustainable brand. People talk about leading more sustainable lives, buying sustainable food, and using sustainable energy. What do we really mean when we says sustainable? Is something sustainable just because it … Read More “What does sustainability mean to you?” »

Welcome to a month of Science and Sustainability

April 4, 2011April 2, 2011 Andrew Thaler 1 Comment

Uncategorized

The mystery is over and we are happy to announce the launch of Science and Sustainability Month at Southern Fried Science! While we usually reserve a few posts for Earth Day on this topic, we’ve decided that one day is not enough. Throughout April, we’ll explore several aspects of Science and Sustainability, including the academic field of Sustainability Science, human interactions and personal choice, the philosophy behind sustainability, and the forces that influence sustainable living.

Just a few more hours to go.

April 3, 2011March 31, 2011 Andrew Thaler

Uncategorized

Expedition Week premieres tonight, Shark Men next Sunday

April 3, 2011April 3, 2011 David Shiffman 1 Comment

Popular Culture

Expedition Week 2011 starts tonight on the National Geographic Channel. This year, there are 13 premieres on seven straight nights, and they promise “extreme treks, new discoveries, and bold investigations” featuring topics as diverse as conservation, exotic human cultures, archaeology, geology, and maritime history. In other words, there’s plenty for science geeks like us to enjoy.

Tomorrow all will be revealed.

April 3, 2011March 31, 2011 Andrew Thaler 2 Comments

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