Policy Catalyst

The Green Chemistry in Minnesota Conference: A Reaction

2008-07-23T15:55:29Z

A post by Karl Grindal

The Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy has, with inspiration from research assistant Robert Yason, been delving into the subject of Green Chemistry.

On Wednesday May 28th, the Center held a conference titled Green
Chemistry in Minnesota: Opportunities and Challenges for Leadership.
The conference with great success brought together political, business, scientific and non-profit leaders. The conference inspired everyone involved to consider Green Chemistry´s potential, as participants were asked to consider what they could individually do for its' advancement. Listening to panelist's and audience member's stories helped those involved look at Green Chemistry more holistic than they had before.

For example, private interests involved in Green Chemistry demonstrated that the Green Economy is here to stay. Scientists at local colleges and research universities alike discussed the challenges and opportunities for integrating Green Chemistry into the chemistry curriculum. The Green Blue Alliance spoke to the health benefits of Green Chemistry telling the tale of American steel workers whose jobs and wellbeing were saved through this scientific innovation.

The conference concluded, rather unanimously, that this conversation should transcend the day. Though certainly all involved will continue to consider the technological opportunities as it involves their particular trade, the Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy is determined to keep the conversation going. With the creation of a
Green Chemistry Wiki, still in its infancy, plan on hearing more about the conference and Green Chemistry in the near future.

Using Presentation Technology Effectively

2008-07-09T21:20:27Z

Tips summarized from: The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within by Edward R. Tufte

So why do you use PowerPoint? Do you believe it is a presentation necessity? Does it help you organize your thoughts? Well, for whatever reason you gravitate towards PowerPoint, take a second and think about what you are trying to accomplish through this talk, and take the next points into consideration:

Do you want an interactive conversation between yourself and you audience, or are you trying to pitch something and those nice bulleted points just highlight your sell?

Remember PowerPoint is “presenter-oriented, not content-oriented, not audience-oriented”

]]> Is that graph good enough for a publication in Science, or at least the Star Tribune? If you are not showing a graph with data matrices that are not evidence worthy, then maybe you should not use it.

Do you want your slide changes to attract attention? If you rather have them focus on what you are saying, use as few transitions as possible, and leave out the “flash”. Do you really need that slide transition? Remember the format should reflect the content, not the limitations of PowerPoint.

Is PowerPoint made for the subject you are discussing? For the most part, it is very difficult to present mathematical or engineering topic on PP. The use of PP is actually a contributing factor in the crash of the Colombia Space Shuttle in 2003, because the hierarchical structure of showing data misrepresented the data to higher level decision makers as to whether a piece of foam damaged Colombia’s wing.

Think pixels….if we can see so much, why do we show so little, and use sooooo many slides.

Is the world simple? With all the visual data people receive all the time, people in general can process mass amounts of information quickly. So the low-resolution of PowerPoint is actually boring.

Who decided that PowerPoint should be the standard anyways? Do you remember any historical or amazing speeches accompanied by a PowerPoint? This can include recent events – I do not remember Barack Obama using a PowerPoint when he made his first nationally recognized speech, at the Democratic National Convention.

Just picture how a great speak could have gone wrong: “We are all gathered here today” (image of American flag, and speaker’s name) “next slide please”….

How to Communicate “Green”

2008-06-27T20:29:48Z

Reorienting Climate Change Communication for Effective Mitigation - Forcing People to be Green or Fostering Grass-Roots Engagement?

Tuesday, July 22nd
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Carlson School, 1-114
University of Minnesota
Free and open to all University affiliates and our community.

Can you make people be green? What would it actually take to shift public attitude further towards sustainable behaviors?

Dr. Ockwell, University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, will present his work on public attitudes towards “being green”. The United Kingdoms has launched major campaigns to shift public attitude towards more sustainable behaviors. The country has also implemented regulatory policy, such as congestion charges imposed on those driving into London, some of which have been hugely unpopular. Dr. Ockwell will discuss his research on what they have found to be effective or counterproductive, and how that could inform decision making here. Abstract and bio thus follow:

]]> Abstract:
The UK government expends significant resources on communication campaigns aimed at encouraging shifts towards low carbon lifestyles, but research suggests that encouraging attitudinal change alone is unlikely to be effective. The link between an individual's attitudes (which communications campaigns are attempting to influence) and subsequent behavior is mediated by other influences, such as social norms and the 'free rider' effect. We have found there are many barriers - including psychological, informational, social and structural - to public engagement with climate change. One way to engage the public in climate change mitigation would be to introduce regulation that forces green behavior - but government fears a resulting loss of precious political capital citing incidents like the fuel protests in 2000, and anti-road pricing petitions. On the other hand, communication campaigns that advocate individual, voluntary action ignore the social and structural impediments to behavior change. We argue that there are two crucial, but distinct, roles that communication could play in engaging the public: firstly, to facilitate public acceptance of regulation; and secondly, to stimulate grass-roots action through emotional and rational engagement with climate change. By drawing on the latest climate change communication research, we explore whether these 'top-down' versus 'bottom-up' perspectives on societal engagement in mitigation efforts can be reconciled. We argue for a middle way for communication that recognizes two crucial, but distinct, roles that communication could play in engaging the public in low carbon lifestyles: firstly, to facilitate public acceptance of regulation; and secondly, to stimulate grass-roots action through emotional and rational engagement with climate change.

Bio:

Dr. David Ockwell has a background that is strongly interdisciplinary having trained, worked and published across both the social and natural sciences. Dr. Ockwell has worked in both the private sector and academia providing environmental policy advice to a large number of public, private and not-for-profit organizations and has managed and participated in a diverse range of research projects in Southeast Asia, East Africa, Australia and Europe.

His research focuses on transitions to a low carbon economy. Current work includes managing a UK-India collaborative study on low carbon technology transfer to developing countries funded by Defra and the Government of India and ESRC/NERC funded work on discourse analysis of public perceptions of climate change.

U of M researcher says algae is an answer to nation's energy needs

2008-06-27T16:37:17Z

As we fill our tanks with ever-more-expensive gas and diesel, our minds turn to alternative fuels. Researchers in Minnesota hope to create bio-diesel from algae. The project would use wastewater from the metro area treatment plant to feed the algae.

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/06/26/algae_diesel/

How to lower gas prices

2008-06-23T17:07:58Z

Professor Elizabeth Wilson was interviewed on KSTP-TV's At Issue Program, on June 15. Elizabeth is an energy expert.

Watch her interview http://kstp.com/article/stories/S478991.shtml?cat=89

Technology Fun this Summer

2008-06-13T19:55:40Z

Our Center focuses on a range of technology frontiers. Professor Jennifer Kuzma looks at regulating emerging nanotechnologies. Professor Kaye Husband feeling researches policy for creating science innovation. Professor Elizabeth Wilson explores emerging fuel technologies. Steve Kelley is part of a broadband gig group, and I spend a good portion of my job updating websites and thinking about how to use blog, wikis, and virtual worlds. But for 90% of the world the technology that occupies their minds is very different. For that 90% how to get reliable drinking water, transport goods, treat illness in the absence of proper medical care, grow food, or build shelter is their focus. A portable water-purification straw, or cleaner fuels for indoor cooking can be major technological improvements for accomplishing these tasks.

Interested? The Walker Art Center is featuring an exhibition “Design for the Other 90%.” Off to the left side of the sculpture garden, across from mini golf, these innovative and sometimes unorthodox technologies are on display. Plus its free!!!

Polar Bear Is Made a Protected Species

2008-05-15T15:39:38Z

The New York Times
By FELICITY BARRINGER
Published: May 15, 2008

The polar bear, whose summertime Arctic hunting grounds have been greatly reduced by a warming climate, will be placed under the protection of the Endangered Species Act, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced on Wednesday.

For the full story:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/us/15polar.html?th&emc=th

Speaking in DC

2008-05-15T15:24:21Z

Assoc. Prof Jennifer Kuzma, chair of the Science Technology and Environment Policy area, gave two presentations in Washington D.C. on May 13th. She briefed the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Risk Assessment and Cost Benefit Analysis on "Agrifood Nanotechnology: Upstream Assessment of Risk and Oversight." Representatives from several government agencies and departments were in attendance. On the same day, she presented at the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council (NAS-NRC) about her research on technology assessment and oversight for bio- and agrifood- nanotechnology. Here, she was part of a small working group asked to help plan a NAS-NRC study on this topic. A paper on her research on emerging technologies and oversight just came out in the peer-reviewed journal "Science and Public Policy" in March, and three more will be coming out later this summer and fall, two in the journal "Risk Analysis" and one in the journal "Nanoethics".

Green Chemistry in Minnesota: Opportunities and Challenges for Leadership

2008-05-05T17:18:09Z

Wednesday May 28, 2008
8:30-5:00
Cowles Auditorium
Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota
Registration required, $25 to attend

The concept of “green chemistry” is becoming increasingly significant nationally and internationally. Minnesota’s natural, intellectual and business resources give the state an enormous potential advantage in becoming a recognized leader in green chemistry, as well as contributing to national efforts. This conference will bring together researchers, teachers, business leaders, policy advocates and policy makers to discuss Minnesota’s opportunities and challenges in becoming a significant green chemistry contributor. We will ask representatives of three sectors – business, academia and public policy – to identify what their organizations could contribute to advancing green chemistry in Minnesota and what they need from other sectors to reach their goals.

The conference program will include panel presentations, participant discussions, and a video conference roundtable with three national leaders in green chemistry.

The registration deadline is May 23rd
To register visit: http://www.hhh.umn.edu/centers/stpp/events/green_chemistry

Students may contact Sophia Ginis (gini0003) with questions about financial assistance.
________________________________________________________________________
As defined by the University of Massachusetts, a leader in this field:

Green Chemistry is the utilization of a set of principles that reduces or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture and application of chemical products. Green chemistry is a revolutionary philosophy that seeks to unite government, academic and industrial communities by placing more emphasis on tending to environmental impacts at the earliest stage of innovation and invention.

Do you have questions about nanotechnology?

2008-04-30T21:45:24Z

Most people do. In a recent paper published by Jennifer Kuzma and colleagues Paradise, Wolf, Ramachandran, Kokkoli and Hall, they address rising concerns about the need for regulation of nanotechnologies.

Their paper “Developing Oversight Frameworks for Nanobiotechnology” discusses the need for a regulatory system, especially because “over 500 products advertised as nanotechnology-based consumer products have already hit the market” and that number will only grow since nanobiotechnology can be used to improve a wide variety of sectors from agriculture and medicine to robotics.

But why do we need a new regulatory system? Don’t we already have structures for measuring chemical toxicity and drug safety etc? As Jennifer Kuzma and colleagues explain, nanobiotechnology does not fit nicely into current framework. For example, the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) regulates all “new chemicals” but take carbon nanotubes labeled as synthetic graphite. I do not know about you, but I am usually not concerned with graphite. However, as a carbon nanotube this chemical has a much higher toxicity level, “many nanochemicals are variations of chemicals listed in TSCA Inventory, although at a much smaller size and often with different properties and characteristics.”

The slight differences in nanotechnologys in comparison to other technologies span most fields. Other agencies like the FDA, OSHA, or the USDA have tried to adjust…kinda…The EPA started a voluntary regulatory program and “the city of Berkeley, California has passed a nanotechnology-specific ordinance regarding mandatory reporting procedures”

Kuzma and her colleagues believe that “a coordinated framework among key government agencies” is needed. Currently the hodgepodge of ideas has not resulted in an encompassing system of regulation. While each sector has its own needs, a structure is none the less needed

But maybe the most pressing reason for new oversight framework is the public. As mentioned in this paper the public has very little knowledge about nanotechnology and it applications. My 12 year old sister asked me if nanoparticle could accidently take over your mind. While at that age she is not yet been heavily exposed to biological science, she has the bass knowledge to know that nanotechnology can change things, and maybe not always for the best. While nanotechnology can bring our society many benefits a few mistakes that the media gets wind of could create quite a problem for scientists that all of a sudden have to cope with public outcries against their work. Well maybe that will never happen, but just so it doesn’t, shouldn’t we at least try to “assure public confidence and safety”

They also say debate is needed, so what do you think? And if you are interested in this topic, talk to Jennifer Kuzma about her paper. I was just going to skim it, but I read it word for word.

John Kerry cares about Nanotechnology funding

2008-04-29T17:36:27Z

Most people don't know it, but nanotechnology funding has been a hot topic at the federal level. GAO just released a report that indicated that 3% of funding for the National Nanotechnology Initiative has been directed towards environmental, health, and safety (EHS) questions. In the past few weeks there have been several legislative hearings about EHS and nanotechnology. In a story by the Daily Environment, John Kerry is quoted as saying "Funding for EHS research will be a top priority as we move forward with this reauthorization process" (i.e. the NNI). EHS experts, environmental groups, think-tanks, and many academics have been concerned that 3% is not enough, given the special properties of nanomaterials and their abilities to penetrate and react given their small size. This is a societal question--a policy question about priorities in S&T funding. How much for any technology development program should be directed towards studying the consequences of products? The Human Genome Project directed about 4% for studying Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI), and the NNI has done the same. Is this enough? What is the balance between promoting technology development and ensuring safe and responsible use? This is a difficult question, and answers depend on affiliations, value systems, and social and cultural contexts. In the same Daily Environment article, a call for regulatory certainty for nanoproducts is made. Currently, we do not have a coordinated plan for nanotechnology oversight. Two articles that I co-authored with students and colleagues just came out that address oversight systems for emerging technologies. 1) Talukder, K. and J. Kuzma. ”A multi-perspective analysis for regulatory policy for Bt cotton in India as a case study”. Science and Public Policy 35(2): 121-138. (2008). and 2) Paradise, J., Wolf, S., Ramachandran, G., Kokkoli, E., Hall, R., and J. Kuzma. “Developing Oversight Frameworks for Nanobiotechnology,” MN Journal of Law, Science, and Technology 9 (1): 399-416 (2008). More are on the way...Important work is being done by C. Bosso and W. Kay at NEU. Susanna Priest at UNLV, D. Guston at ASU, D. Baird and J. Besley at USC, B. Herr-Hawthorne at UCSB, and others.
So, the question is how do we get academic ELSI and EHS nano work into the hands of decision makers? Articles from academicsoften go unnoticed. However, academics are largely encouraged to only publish peer-reviewed articles, not policy briefs or other dissemination documents.

I am attending a small group brainstorming session about these issues May 19-20th hosted by the University of South Carolina. A bunch of ELSI-nano academics will get together to develop strategies for connecting with decision makers and starting a society for ELSI-nano work. In the meantime, we will strive to do the relatively unbiased work (at least conflict-free,as most of us take no money from NGOs or industry) needed to holistically and openly address questions of EHS, ELSI, and emerging technologies.

Inspiring Engineers

2008-04-25T22:33:11Z

Students and faculty associated with the Center for Science, Technology & Public Policy attended the spring banquet for the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology on Thursday. Two speakers fired up the crowd and demonstrated the capacity of engineers to inspire. Shannon Koenig is a 4th year undergraduate in civil engineering and a scholarship recipient. She described her personal and family struggles and the source of her passionate commitment to graduating from college and becoming a civil engineer. Her hands on experience with civil engineering was the key to her commitment.
Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway personal transport and other cool devices, talked about the need to light a fire in young students so that they will pursue science and engineering. Kamen founded the FIRST Robotics competitions. The U of M has hosted the regional competition among students form schools all over the state. His approach challenges the science education advocates who call mostly for more rigor in standards and the curriculum.

Legislators discuss creation of low-carbon fuel bill

2008-04-22T17:24:24Z

When Steve Kelley and student Ethan Warner testified at the legislature, the Daily noticed:

By Jake Grovum

On a day when crude oil hit $114 per barrel, legislators met to discuss the possibility of creating a low-carbon fuel standard and furthering an investment in renewable energy.

The bill, authored by Rep. Frank Moe, DFL-Bemidji, would reduce carbon emissions from various types of fuel by at least 10 percent by 2020, and expand research capabilities for the University's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment.

The discussions marked the early stages of the bill, which isn't expected to be heard on the floor until next year.

Some on the committee agreed that the prospect of lowering carbon emissions was a positive one, but the possible primary and secondary effects of the proposition was a topic of contention at the hearing.

Questions facing legislators are whether the bill would have any unforeseen consequences, similar to increased cost of food because of high corn demand as a result of ethanol production.

Foreign relations and global economics also came into play when Flint Hills Resources representatives Diane Schmidt and Jay Reinhardt testified. Flint Hills is a refining company with a plant south of the Twin Cities.

If Minnesota enacts a low-carbon fuel standard, the Canadian crude oil that makes up a vast majority of oil refined in Minnesota would go to places like China, Schmidt said.

China's inefficient refining tactics and the resources required to transport the crude would emit more greenhouse gases, therefore the standards could be worse for the environment than just using it in Minnesota, Schmidt added.

But former State Sen. Steve Kelley said he personally wasn't buying that argument.

"You could argue if we didn't buy and burn coal in Minnesota, that would leave more coal to go to China and get burned overseas," he said. "But you can't do much about that."

]]> Kelley, director of the Center for Science, Technology and Public Policy at the Humphrey Institute, attended the hearing to discuss a study the University will conduct regarding the feasibility of the low-carbon standard.

Charged with providing a study to the Legislature, the multidiscipline project is designed to give policymakers the information they need to determine whether to enact the standard.

The intent is to have the study available for the Legislature's 2009 session, Kelley said.

Schmidt said she was interested in the study's findings, but also said similar legislation in California disrupted land being used for a different purpose than before and offset the region's oil supplies.

Reinhardt also pointed out about 90 percent of crude oil refined in Minnesota comes from Canada, making the issue of reliance on Middle East oil irrelevant.

Aside from the University's role in studying the possibility of the standards, the bill would also expand its renewable energy center's ability to research those types of fuels.

Through previous legislation, the University received funding from Xcel Energy for renewable energy research, but the bill would allow the funds to be used for low-carbon fuel studies, Dick Hemmingsen, the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment director, said.

With the potentially widened scope, the state requested the center study the effects of an approach to low-carbon fuel like California's, Hemmingsen said.

-Jake Grovum is a senior staff reporter.
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/04/16/72166707

PA5721 Class Trip to Austin Utilities

2008-04-21T19:04:53Z

On Friday, April 11th, a group of students from PA5721: Energy and Environmental Policy took a trip to southern Minnesota to tour one of the areas largest electric generators: the Austin Utilities Coal Plant. Director of Power and Water Production Patrick Lunn showed the group of six students around both the inside and outside of the facility, explaining the cycle of fuel, power and waste involved in making electricity.

The trip was a great opportunity for Humphrey students to get a real world look at what would otherwise only be found in a text book. By experiencing first hand the operation of a coal plant, one of the most polluting types of electric generators, the students gained awareness of the complexities in satisfying the nation's demand for cheap energy. Environmental health, financial stability and delivery reliability are all equal concerns for Lunn, as the municipal Austin Utilities searches for a replacement for the aging coal plant.

Coal plants have a typical life span of 50 years. As plants around the US age, operators are having to choose between reliable and cheap coal, and renewable energy such as wind and biomass. While renewable energy is much cleaner than coal, the economics of unproven technologies present uncertain risks to planners. Austin Utilities is currently exploring options to use biomass from the surrounding rural area as a clean additive to coal combustion.

Science and Technology Policy Students at Minnesota's Capitol

2008-04-15T21:46:07Z

Over the last few weeks, three students in the Humphrey Institute's master of science in science, technology and environmental policy program have testified in legislative hearings. Mahri Monson described her work with Prof. Jennifer Kuzma on system dynamic analysis to committees in the Minnesota House and Senate. Her testimony was part of presentations on the work that the BioBusiness Alliance of Minnesota was doing to promote biofuels development in the state.
Later, Dane McFarlane testified about the results and recommendations from a study on energy savings policy for state buildings. He was part of a study team guided by Prof. Elizabeth Wilson that conducted a study of potential policies under a contract with the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
Just today, Ethan Warner described the work that a multi-disciplinary University of Minnesota team will conduct in a study of the issues related to Minnesota's potential adoption of a low carbon fuel standard.
All three students were well-received and acquired valuable experience.
Steve