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By Rafael Otto, March 15, 2011 7:31 am

What is the importance of creativity? How does the last two million years of human evolution look when compressed into a single calendar year? Here’s a clue: humans discovered fire on November 19th and developed agriculture on December 29th. In this TedxTucson discussion, Dr. George Land of the Arizona Innovation Institute illustrates the phenomenal rate of change in contemporary society. But the speed of change leaves individuals, organizations, and whole societies struggling to cope.

The solution? Dr. Land’s research has shown that the most creative thinking occurs around the ages of four and five, when possibilities seem endless and restrictions are minimal. That creative thinking, however, diminishes gradually with age. By the time we reach adulthood, we’ve lost track of the five year old within. The good news is that the five year old brain hasn’t disappeared. Brains scans indicate that we use the smallest portion of our brain when operating in fear, more when we utilize logic, and the most when utilizing creative, divergent thought. And that kind of thinking generates ideas, possibilities, and options — something we need more than ever.

So, how can we get our five year old mind to serve our adult world?

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By Rafael Otto, February 17, 2011 7:43 am

The Oscar-nominated documentary film Sun Come Up follows the relocation of the Carteret Islanders, a peaceful community in the South Pacific turned environmental refugees. Threatened by rising seas, they are forced to make the difficult decision to find a new home.

Sun Come Up is launching a House Raiser campaign to build off the momentum of the Oscar nomination. 50 parties in 50 different homes. Each home commits to raising funds for the Carteret Islanders by February 27th, the date of the Academy Awards!

All donations will go directly to the Carteret Islanders’ relocation program toward the building of new homes. Get more information and spread the word on Facebook and Twitter by exploring the Sun Come Up widget below.

Feel free to email bleyer@gmail.com with any questions.

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By Simmons Buntin, January 8, 2011 9:57 pm

U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

The state of Arizona has been a contentious place to live, politically, for several years now. As a resident of Tucson, I know. We live in a state where it seems that hatred and a selfish, so-called pioneering “spirit” have been at the core of our legislature and governor’s seat, and perhaps beyond. Legislation that provides for racial profiling, that bans ethnic studies, and — most recently — that provides for the purchase of a handgun without background checks and the carrying of concealed weapons without a permit has been energetically approved by a legislature that prides itself on being “maverick” — as if leadership is defined by that singular trait — but has no overarching sense of community, respect, and compassion. These acts go beyond the ability of someone to reasonably protect him- or herself and into the realm of hate and anti-government. That polls and voting demonstrate that many of the state’s residents support such moves is astounding and disturbing. Or comes down to ignorance, self-imposed or otherwise, which is just as disturbing.

But the tragic events of today, when U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot point blank along with 18 others, when a federal judge, a nine-year-old girl, and a Congressional aide were murdered (among others) by a 22-year-old man with a semi-automatic assault gun at a public event in a public space, has surpassed anything most of us could have feared.

The editors of Terrain.org send our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the families of those injured and killed. We hope for fast and full recoveries by Congresswoman Giffords and the others who were injured.

We also call for an overhaul of the state legislature, a full repeal of the race-based and hate-based legislation and dangerous gun legislation. The effects of such legislation, though indirect, are nevertheless evident in the actions of today.

We live in a geography of rich cultural and ecological diversity, a diversity that should be celebrated with respect, openness, and compassion. Hate has no place here.

Congresswoman Giffords is an amazing person, the U.S.’s biggest elected representative for renewable energy, a strong advocate for place and the kind of diversity that can make this state such an inspiring and wonderful place. Just a year ago she wrote the guest editorial for Terrain.org’s 24th issue: “Solar is the Bridge to Our Future.”

Let us build from this tragedy to create a state that values diversity and compassion, and let us always remember those who lost their lives and suffered injuries.

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By Rafael Otto, December 17, 2010 9:15 pm

Consider that every hour, our planet permanently loses three species of animals, plants and other living things. In this context, it is important to examine the importance of biodiversity for the health of our planet and for future generations. Here’s a three-minute video produced by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment that explores global biodiversity loss:

For further resources on biodiversity, environmental concerns and solutions, and global research, take a look at Momentum Magazine published by the University of Minnesota.

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By Rafael Otto, December 4, 2010 12:23 pm

TED began in 1984 as a way to bring together people from the fields of Technology, Entertainment and Design. The nonprofit has since expanded to host speakers from numerous specialties in venues around the world. Their mission is simple: Ideas Worth Spreading.

TEDx (x=independently organized TED event) offers organizers a framework to initiate local, grassroots presentations and discussions. TEDxTucson’s premier gathering took place on Friday, December 3 at the Rialto Theatre in downtown Tucson. The topic: Innovating Our Green Economy. Jane Poynter, a crew member of the historic Biosphere 2 project, hosted the evening.

Among many notable speakers were Dr. George Land of the Arizona Innovation Institute who compressed two million years of human history into a twelve month calendar. On that scale, human beings finally discovered fire by mid-November. All of the change and innovation of the last century would be compressed into the final moments on December 31. Most importantly, he stressed the significance of creative, innovative thinking to help guide us toward a sustainable future. By suggesting that we return to creative thought patterns from our earlier years, about age 5, we would stimulate innovative ideas by physically using larger portions of our brain, specifically activating the frontal lobe.

Bruce Wright discussed the current state of solar power innovation at the University of Arizona’s Science and Tech Park Solar Zone. The Solar Zone is on track to start producing enough solar-generated electricity to meet its own energy needs, as well as generating power for the Tucson community.

James MacAdam of the Watershed Management Group suggested something quite simple: less concrete = less water runoff = more urban green spaces.

Ever considered growing chemical-free food with artificial light and no soil? Josh Hottenstein of Verdant Earth Technologies discussed “containerized” growing systems that use 99% less water than conventional field-based crops. In fact, these systems are already being used by some Subway restaurants in Japan, providing fresh lettuce grown on location.

Jonathan Northover painted a hopeful picture for the future of all electric vehicles, one where cars might use interchangeable batteries at stations along America’s highways to reduce charging time. He left the audience, and Jane Poynter, drooling over the sporty, $60,000 Tesla S which will be available in 2012. The vehicle can travel up to 300 miles per charge, go from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds, has no tailpipe emissions, and is built in California.

The message at TEDxTucson was upbeat, hopeful and encouraging, and every speaker left the audience thinking about prospects for the future. From entrepreneurship to regional policy to rainwater harvesting at our homes, the event set the stage for developing Tucson’s green economy, opening the doors for ideas and innovation. Only one question remains, how will you play your part?

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By Rafael Otto, November 30, 2010 10:10 pm

Bangkok At Night. Photo Credit: Benh LIEU SONG

Pop X is the first newsletter from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) dedicated solely to the issues related to human overpopulation and overconsumption, as well as the the extinction crisis and its effects on biodiversity.

As of this post, the CBD reports that the current world population is 6,888,183,791. Click here for the current tally. That same page offers information and resources exploring the link between human overpopulation and the extinction crisis.

This chart from the U.S. Geological Survey illustrates the correlation between extinction rates and human population growth:

The CBD suggests that “species are disappearing about 1,000 times faster than is typical of the planet’s history.” The current cause? Human population growth at an unsustainable rate.

Need to know more? Get the Pop X newsletter by signing up here, and find out how you can be part of the solution.

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By Rafael Otto, November 29, 2010 7:36 am

Imagine visiting one of America’s great natural wonders, Yosemite National Park, Monument Valley, Joshua Tree, or driving through the open plains from the Rockies to the Mississippi. There was a time when litter and pollution along America’s highways was of such concern that a national nonprofit organization, Keep America Beautiful, was founded to combat the problem. Well-known for their “Crying Indian” anti-litter campaign which began in 1971, the organization focused on three areas: litter prevention, recycling and waste reduction, and beautification and community greening.

Their work is ongoing, but the pollution problem hasn’t gone away. The world’s oceans are choked with plastic debris and waste. It is difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the problem, but researchers continue to document and examine the environmental impacts of such widespread pollution. Awareness of the issue is growing, spurring people into action. What will it take to keep the oceans clean and beautiful?

Some say it’s time to refuse single-use plastics. Others have suggested charging for plastic bag use to reduce consumption. Dianna Cohen helped found the Plastic Pollution Coalition and has garnered support from actors and musicians. She has also started educational projects for children to help raise awareness at an early age. Some prefer art, others politics. But one thing seems absolutely certain — if the Yosemite Valley was infused with plastic waste, we’d find a way to clean it up and stop it from happening again.

Here is a comedy/musical/awareness message: “Plastic State of Mind”

Related posts:

Ocean Plastic: Part One – 5 Gyres Institute

Ocean Plastic: Part Two – Evidence

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By Rafael Otto, November 14, 2010 12:30 am

People of Tuscon have an opportunity to make their voices heard. Imagine Greater Tucson is a community-based effort designed to “create a shared vision and clear action for the Tucson Region that will make our community a vibrant and healthy place to live, work, learn, and play for current and future generations of all ages.”

Based on successful models from other cities in the United States and Canada, the Imagine Greater Tucson interactive campaign begins with a five-minute survey. Take the survey to express likes, make suggestions for change, or find ways to become involved in the community.

This is the Imagine Greater Tucson timeline:

Share your vision.

Spread the word.

The future is yours to create.

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By Simmons Buntin, October 2, 2010 1:59 pm

In one day on Earth, the average person will laugh 15 times. In one day on Earth, most of us will throw away 4 pounds of garbage. In one day on Earth, more than 230,000 babies will be born. In one day on Earth, 297,700 bicycles are manufactured. On 10/10/10, we will all have one day on Earth. What will you do?

On October 10, 2010, as part of the One Day on Earth project, people from every nation of the world will film their perspectives to showcase the amazing diversity, conflict, tragedy, and triumph that occur in one 24-hour period. From the basic human needs, joys, and struggles that unite us, to the unique cultural traditions that shape our identity, thousands of normally untold stories will be brought to light through the eyes of filmmakers and inspired citizens.

What is One Day on Earth? from One Day On Earth on Vimeo.

The project is free and open to all people, cultures, beliefs, and nationalities. With thousands of filmmakers representing over 200 countries – ranging from teenagers using cell phones to award-winning cinematographers with HD cameras – the unprecedented scope of video captured on this day will be viewable through an innovative online archive system and a feature length documentary that explores our planet’s identity, slated for 2011.

One Day on Earth has also created an interactive online community for its participants powered by Ning, a leading online platform for the world’s organizers, activists, and influencers. Members are encouraged to connect with one another from all corners of the planet, sharing their thoughts, photos, and videos to spark a larger global awareness and consciousness. For some, the online community has inspired international collaborations, expanding the depth of stories being shared.

In the last 24 hours, more than 300 people from 64 nations signed up. Today, cameras were distributed in Iran, Maldives, Mongolia, Sudan, and Kuwait.  The UNDP, World Wildlife Fund, Red Cross, Human Rights Watch, Live Strong, and so many more are supporting the effort. Will you join?

Follow One Day on Earth on Twitter (@onedayonearth) and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/onedayonearth.

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By Simmons Buntin, May 21, 2010 2:47 pm

Corporations and foundations create campaign that will fund environmental nonprofits to protect the Colorado River

Fort Collins, CO – A coalition of seven sustainably driven corporations and foundations has united to raise funding and awareness for the environmentally threatened Colorado River. The campaign, initiated by New Belgium Brewing and the Clean Water Fund, will donate money to environmental nonprofits in the Colorado River basin working to promote water conservation and protect the river.

“We are proud to bring this dedicated group of environmental philanthropists together,” said Kim Jordan, CEO of New Belgium Brewing. “The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the American Southwest, and it is the lifeblood of the people and the companies that thrive here.  Although the threats to this river are enormous, we want to step forward and begin the necessary work to help keep it alive.”

The philanthropic campaign includes partners from the beginning of the Colorado River basin all the way to the end:

• New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, Colorado
• Patagonia, Ventura, California
• Aspen Snowmass Environment Foundation, Aspen, Colorado
• Kenney Brothers Foundation, Denver, Colorado
• National Geographic Maps, Evergreen, Colorado
• Environment Now, Santa Monica, California
• OARS, Angels Camp, California

In an average year, the Colorado River flows with approximately 5 trillion gallons of water. Over the last decade, dams, diversions, and a population of 30 million users have completely drained the Colorado so that it no longer reaches the Gulf of California but ends in an ecologically degraded mud flat.

Climate change, population growth, and drought threaten to deplete the river even further. Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation proclaimed that within 2 years the water level in Lake Mead could drop so low that serious water and electric shortages will occur in Las Vegas. The river also contains four endangered species of fish that are clinging to life amidst the dammed and depleted flows.

The “Save the Colorado” campaign will donate funding through a granting cycle twice a year for three years – 2010, 2011, and 2012.  Granting will total nearly $500,000 and will focus on three programmatic areas:

1. Efforts that raise public awareness about the threats to the Colorado River and its water supplies.
2. Efforts that promote water conservation, or change public policy about water conservation, in cities that receive Colorado River water including the Denver/Front Range of Colorado, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, and Los Angeles metropolitan areas.
3. Efforts that protect and enhance the ecological health and biodiversity of the Colorado River and its tributaries, including addressing the threats of new diversions and dams, mitigating past degradation and securing “instream flows.”

“The beauty and scale of the Colorado River are inspiring to all of us in the West,” said Hans Cole, Environmental Grants Manager for Patagonia.  “But, the river also provides a dramatic example of how fragile such a powerful force of nature can be when faced with the combined threats of overconsumption, drought and climate change.  The River and the natural communities that rely on it need our help.  We are honored to join this campaign.”

Visit http://SaveTheColorado.org to learn more about how businesses, environmental non-profits and individuals can get involved. The first granting cycle accepts applications from June 1 – June 30, 2010.