From the Classroom

Article Item

Sustainability and the Private Sector , article
In recent years, the concept of corporate sustainability has come to the forefront of debates on how to achieve global sustainability. Corporate sustainability is often discussed in conjunction with sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, but it can be defined simply as a corporate management paradigm that has evolved away from the traditional growth and profit-maximization model into a new model that recognizes the importance of environmental protection, social equity and economic development (Wilson, 2003).
Date: Dec 06, 2018
Article Item

Equestrians and the Cascadia Corridor (Part III) , article
[In Part I of this three-part series (November 19th), Master of Natural Resources (MNR) student, Martha Wehling, discussed the urbanization in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascadia corridor and its impacts on both cities and rural areas, with a specific focus on equestrian recreational facilities. Part II (November 26th) introduced the methods used to incentivize dense growth in Cascadia’s megacities, in part, to maintain surrounding rural areas. In this final installment, Martha presents how agriculture or equine overlays can help support urban sustainability in the Cascadia corridor.]
Date: Dec 03, 2018
Article Item

Equestrians and the Cascadia Corridor (Part II) , article
[In Part I of this three-part series, published on November 19th, Master of Natural Resources (MNR) student Martha Wehling discusses the urbanization in the Pacific Northwest’s Cascadia corridor and its impacts on both cities and rural areas, with a specific focus on equestrian recreational facilities. In this episode, Martha introduces the methods used to incentivize dense growth in Cascadia’s megacities, in part, to maintain surrounding rural areas.]
Date: Nov 26, 2018
Article Item

Equestrians and the Cascadia Corridor (Part I) , article
Regional planning for agricultural and equestrian overlays can improve the quality of life and sustainability for residents of the Cascadia urban corridor. As populations and density increase, identification and selection of areas that support agriculture and equestrian facilities in proximity to the corridor will provide high-quality recreation areas accessible to the dense urban populations. Even if only a subset of the population uses agricultural or equestrian facilities for recreation, maintaining these uses on the peri-urban boundary will reduce carbon emissions and sprawl, and will provide valuable ecological services to the dense urban corridor.
Date: Nov 19, 2018
Article Item

Integrating Resilience and Happiness – Part II , article
[In Part I of this two-part series, published on November 5th, John Hicks discussed Copenhagen’s holistic approach to climate change adaptation that not only protects the city from impacts of climate change but simultaneously enhances the quality of life for its citizens. In this final installment, John introduces some of Copenhagen’s world-renowned climate resilience projects, including innovative greenspace and a commitment to cycling as sustainable urban transportation.]
Date: Nov 12, 2018
Article Item

Integrating Resilience and Happiness – Part I , article
Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. Many have hypothesized various reasons for the happiness scores, but even Danes themselves shrug their shoulders when asked why their country always dominates happiness surveys. It is well documented that they have high-quality healthcare, education and welfare benefits. Many attribute Danish happiness to the cultural phenomenon known as “hygge,” which values intimate personal interactions with family and friends.
Date: Nov 05, 2018
Article Item

Madrid’s Urban Ecology Innovations – Part III , article
[In Part I of this three-part series, published on October 8, Virginia Tech Master of Natural Resources (MNR) student Marshall Distel introduced the city of Madrid as a case study for working to employ a wide array of innovative strategies related to urban ecology to enhance resilience and sustainability. Part II (October 15) explored Madrid’s attempts to support sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, and open space planning. In this final installment, Marshall will review urban ecology and governance in Madrid.]
Date: Oct 22, 2018
Article Item

Are We Too Tribal for Global Sustainability? , article
When I was first getting to know my fiancé, I remember being very nervous to ask what I thought was an extremely important question. A question that, if answered “incorrectly,” could lead to the quick demise of our new relationship. I mustered up the courage and tried to sound casual.
Date: Oct 18, 2018
Article Item

Madrid’s Urban Ecology Innovations – Part II , article
[In Part I of this three-part series, published on October 7, Virginia Tech Master of Natural Resources (MNR) student Marshall Distel introduced the city of Madrid as a case study for working to employ a wide array of innovative strategies related to urban ecology to enhance resilience and sustainability. In this installment, Marshall explores Madrid’s attempts to support sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, and open space planning.]
Date: Oct 15, 2018
Article Item

Madrid’s Urban Ecology Innovations – Part I , article
The world is rapidly urbanizing. While the global urban population grew to nearly 4 billion people in 2014, it is predicted to increase to 6.5 billion people by 2050 (McDonnell & MacGregor-Fors, 2016). Moreover, according to recent estimates developed by the United Nations, two out of three of the world’s inhabitants will live in urban areas by 2050 (Haase et al., 2018). As the global population continues to grow and become more urbanized, city governments and policymakers from around the world will need to address many new challenges associated with this growth.
Date: Oct 08, 2018