Monday, February 6, 2012

Environment

On Wednesday the University will have a tornado drill as part of participation in Severe Weather Awareness Week. EVAN STICHLER/Staff

University to participate in tornado drill for severe weather awareness

By on February 6, 2012

Athens-Clarke County and the University will participate in a tornado drill this Wednesday, Feb. 8, in recognition of the high tornado activity experienced during the past year. This drill will be the main event of Severe Weather Awareness Week, a state-wide initiative which will take place from Monday to Friday. Between 9 and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [...]

The connection between the University and the United Nations is tightened by an University student's efforts to raise awareness for environmental issues in South Africa. Courtesy Maria Osman

University student continues fight for environmental justice in South Africa

By on February 5, 2012

From fighting coal at the University to negotiating for climate change in South Africa, Heather Hatzenbuhler has become a sort of environmental ambassador. While at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference as a student delegate, the environment economics and management major had the opportunity to interact with students, leaders and representatives from [...]

The Woodlake community has focused on getting rid of beavers in its area, but the traps are drawing complaints as being inhumane. EVAN STICHLER/Staff

‘Body-crushing’ beaver traps raise concerns in Athens community

By on February 4, 2012

Although the popular Woodlake community is determined to keep its scenic view free from damage, the methods the Flats area of the property are using to eliminate the beavers chewing down the trees has caused concern amongst some residents. “The particular traps that we think they’re using are inhumane and cruel. My husband has shown [...]

Professors Quint Newcomer and his wife Lori own one of the seven Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified homes in Georgia. Perks to their home include lower utility bills and a healthier indoor environment. Devin Webb/Staff

‘Holistic’ home: professors build sustainably

By on February 2, 2012

The Newcomers’ home is green — but not on the outside. Quint Newcomer, director of the University’s campus in Costa Rica, and his wife Lori Bork Newcomer, who runs Bork Architectural Design and teaches adjunct in the Lamar Dodd School of Art, have built their Athens home with a “holistic” mindset. This holistic approach has [...]

Florida State University professor, Peter Ray, brought his "Hurricane Hunter" to the University. EVAN STICHLER/Staff

Florida State University professor brings Doppler radar to University

By on January 31, 2012

The 8-foot radar dish attached to the truck in the University intramural fields this afternoon was not a prop for another apocalyptic climate change movie – it is a recent invention by a professor. Peter Ray, a professor of meteorology from Florida State University, brought his ”Seminole Hurricane Hunter,” a mobile Doppler radar, to the University on Monday [...]

The machines that helped refill the water bottles, seen throughout the MLC, are an example of a prior project funded through the sustainability grants.ALAN LIOW/Staff

Students awarded $20,000 for sustainable projects

By on January 25, 2012

Students may be able to make campus a little greener thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Office of Sustainability. The grant, which is funded by the $3 green fee, allows for six sustainable projects to enhance the University’s efforts in fostering an environmentally friendly institution. The office received 21 student grant applications in December [...]

University to host conference on international energy security

By on January 20, 2012

The University will host a daylong conference on international energy security on Feb. 3, according to an Associated Press report. The meeting will discuss issues such as international energy governance, regulatory law for renewable energy, nuclear safety law and nuclear waste legal regimes, according to the AP. It will also include an address from the [...]

GMOA_file

Georgia Museum of Art transforms to playground

By on January 20, 2012

The weekend is often a time to let loose for children, but this Saturday, Athens families will have the opportunity to unleash their energy in a new kind of playground — The Georgia Museum of Art. The Museum is hosting a Family Day this Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in honor of Michelle Obama’s Let’s [...]

A tiny insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid, has been attacking Eastern hemlocks, which are dying rapidly. Photo courtesy of UGA NEWS SERVICE

UGA study offers hope for hemlock attack

By on January 13, 2012

Thousands of broken trees line the banks of the Chattooga River. The dead gray stabs were once evergreen monsters offering shade to trout and picturesque views to visitors. These Eastern hemlocks are dying rapidly, and University of Georgia researchers are working to save them. One tiny insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid, is to blame. The [...]

The first two days of class were cancelled last year as a result of an unexpected snowstorm. This year, University officials have a standard plan ready to handle bad weather conditions — just in case. FILE/The Red & Black

Univ. ready for winter weather

By on January 12, 2012

Though spring semester did not begin with a snow-blanketed campus, University officials say they are prepared for an emergency weather situation similar to the 2011 storm which caused classes to be cancelled for two days. The University’s Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Steven Harris said the University has a standard plan of action [...]