2011 Events
relating to environment
The following were held at Rhodes University, including Environmental Committee events, in 2011.
Sunday 20 March
- Invasive alien removal session: organised by GRASS Rootz society with RU Dept of Environmental Science and Grounds & Gardens. Involves pulling out and cutting down alien invasives such as Jacarandas, Wattles, Poplars, Lantana, Ink Berry plants (and many more) so as to create an alien-free corridor for birds and insects on campus, and thereby increasing biodiversity and helping the growth of pioneer grass and reed species. Wear gumboots and be ready for things to get messy :-)
- Venue: Meet at the RU Environmental Science Department (Somerset Street).
- Time: 15h00.
- More info: Gabi Knott g09k1865(at)campus.ru.ac.za
Tuesday 22 March:
- World Water Day and the Right to Water - Pamphlet: raising awareness around questions regarding water quality (can we drink it?); water supply meeting demand (is there going to be enough for everyone?); aging infrastructure and the health of the surrounding catchment; how do we ensure a water-future of "some, for all, forever"; what can (and should) the university be doing?
- 08h30 - 16h00: Interactive water displays - Library Quad - organised by SEACC SF, the Catchment Research Group (CRG), GRASS and Galela Amanzi. World Water Day 2011
- 20h00: BYOBlue party - Grotto Mojito (corner High Street & Somerset Street). By wearing blue, you show your support for water awareness at Rhodes (and get discounted blue drinks). Learn about the soon-to-launch Water Awareness Campaign and meet the various water-related organisations on campus: Entertainment and engagement in water at Rhodes, all in one. World Water Day 2011 GM
- More info: contact Jai Clifford-Holmes, 082-769.1622, g06c2495(at)campus.ru.ac.za / jai.clifford.holmes(at)gmail.com; also read about World Water Day.
Saturday 26 March:
- Earth Hour and Saving the Karoo: The evening will kick off at 6pm with a screening of the documentary GASLAND – at Eden Grove Red – followed by a short presentation on the proposed hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo. Moving across to the Botanical Gardens, Earth Hour celebrations will continue from 8:30pm until late. The event - organised with SEACC SF, GRASS and Astro Soc - will feature performances by Drum Soc, BUA and Voices of Glory in the Botanical Gardens. Entrance is free. Bring your own drinks and a picnic.
- Venue: Eden Grove Red, moving on later to Botanical Gardens (Lucas Avenue).
- Time: 18h00, moving on at 20h00 to Bots (Earth Hour starts at 20h30).
- More info: South East African Climate Consortium Student Forum (SEACC SF) Events Coordinator, Ruth Krueger, 076-295.8045 / seaccsf.ru.events(at)gmail.com/ g10k2679(at)campus.ru.ac.za; also read about Earth Hour.
Thursday 14 April:
- Gasland - the story about fracking: For those who missed the previous showing of this excellent documentary, here is another opportunity to learn about hydraulic fracturing, and sign the petition against the proposed fracking in the Karoo.
- Venue: Rhodes University Eden Grove Blue (Lucas Avenue).
- Time: 19h00.
- More info: RU Legal Activism society, Joanna Pickering on joannapick(at)gmail.com; also read about Gasland the movie.
12 to 14 May:
- 101 Centenary Trees: Planting trees to celebrate 101 years of Student Governance, and more recently, the involvment of the SRC in environmental concerns. Combatting soil erosion and educating the community about the importance of vegetation and environmental awareness, 101 trees will be planted throughout Grahamstown. This is linked to the UN Billion tree planting campaign.
- More info: Kiarin Gillies srcenvironmental(at)ru.ac.za / 073 334 6883; also read about SRC 101.
30 June to 10 July:
- Reimagining: Creative Practice in Sustainability: ReImagining Programe 2011 - a series of National Arts Festival events hosted by the Environmental Education Sustainability Commons. This mini festival will include public lectures, workshops, exhibitions, a craft market, sustainability food, performances and the second Climate Fluency Exchange leading up to COP17. Input for the programme via the 'Eco Logic Studio' (before April 2011).
- Venue: ELRC (Environmental Learning Research Centre), behind Alumni House (Lucas Avenue).
- Time: t.b.a. (also in the National Arts Festival programme).
- More info: Injairu injairu.kulundu(at)gmail.com; also read about CopArt & the National Arts Festival.
15 to 17 July:
- BlueBuck Network - Inaugural Summit: BlueBuck, an organisation that is connecting young environmentalists from across the country, will be hosting its inaugural summit at Rhodes University. Prestigious speakers, insightful presentations, helpful workshops and a chance to meet and learn with some of the most exciting and dynamic youth around. We will also focus on what actually happens at COP17 and the related events, such as the Conference of the Youth (COY), and how you can get the most from them. All welcome.
- More info: info(at)bluebucknetwork.org; also read about BlueBuck Network.
2 August to 6 September:
- COP 17 Climate Change Lecture Series: Organised by SEACC SF
- Tue 2 Aug: Dr Carl Palmer (Confirmed) - A Brief Introduction to Climate Change and Earth Systems. Arts Major
- Tue 16 Aug: Dr Godwell Nhamo (Confirmed) - Durban 9/12: Past, current and future concerns in global climate negotiations. Eden Grove Blue
- Tue 23 Aug: Sheona Shackleton (Confirmed) - Climate Change and its Effects in South Africa. Eden Grove Blue
- Tue 30 Aug: Saliem Fakir (WWF) – The South African Position and Response to Climate Change. Eden Grove Blue, 6:30 pm.
- Tue 6 September: Dylan McGarry (COPArt) – A Climate Train, a COP, a COY and You. Eden Grove Blue, 6:30 pm.
- More info: Alex Lenferna +27-72-372.4144 or seaccsf(at)gmail.com; also read about SEACC SF.
1 to 7 September:
Rhodes retiree planting a tree
- RU Planting Trees: Arbor Week at Rhodes University. Organised by Communications and Development Division at Rhodes University.
- Are you interested in indigenous trees? Want to find out more about Rhodes University's choices for Arbor Week? Contact Grounds and Gardens. Thank you for your interest!
- More info: the Manager, grounds(at)ru.ac.za
19 September:
- Stern View of Fracking: Doug Stern recently visited the USA on a fact-finding mission on the impacts of hydraulic fracturing (HF) - or fracking - a method which Shell would like to use in the Karoo to bring shale gas to the surface. Stern’s first hand account, including photographs taken at sites in Pennsylvania and New York, will provide a better understanding of the short and long-term impacts of fracking on humans, the environment and the economy. The 45-minute presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. A panel of experts, as well as members of the Rhodes Legal Activism Society and SEACC SF, will be present to provide additional input. All welcome!
- When: Monday 19 September 2011 at 5.15 pm
- Where: Rhodes University Barratt Lecture Theatre 1 (use African Street entrance to parking area - opposite DSG/St Andrews swimming pool building)
- More info: Contact Nikki on 046-603.7205 or environment(at)ru.ac.za
- Background reading:
- Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG): http://www.treasurethekaroo.blogspot.com/
- “The great shale debate in the Karoo” by M de Wit, SA Journal of Science: www.sajs.co.za/index.php/SAJS/article/view/791/730
- “Fracking task team is a sham, says lobby group”: http://hwb.co.za/media-article.php?id=435
- EPA Hydraulic Fracturing Background Information: http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing/wells_hydrowhat.cfm
24 September:
- Moving Planet: SEACC SF and the Grahamstown community unite in demanding that carbon tax makes a REAL difference to fighting climate change. Mark the date! Join the action!
- When: 10h00 onwards
- Where: Drostdy Arch
- More info: http://www.moving-planet.org/node/945 or contact Alex Lenferna seaccsf@gmail.com / 072-372.4144.
3 to 9 October:
- SRC Environmental Week: Organised by the SRC Environmental Councillor and student environmental groups at Rhodes University.
- More info: srcenvironmental(at)ru.ac.za and Student Action pages.
Friday 7 October:
- Rhodes University Environmental Awards: a celebratory award ceremony where the Vice-Chancellor presents floating trophies and certificates to winning nominees. 2011 Environmental Award Nomination Form final.doc
- Closing date for nominations and applications: 10 September 2011.
- More info: RU Environmental Awards or contact Nikki on 046-603.7205 or email environment(at)ru.ac.za
Saturday 8 October:
- Rhodes University Green Fund Run/Walk: a fun event with a serious aim: to raise funds for Rhodes University's Green Fund to support of initiatives that promote sustainability. Team and individual entries are welcome.
- Entries: Open to all. Entries will be accepted on Friday outside Eden Grove (Lucas Avenue), or at least 30 minutes before the start. Green Fund Run Entry Form 2011.
- Challenge your colleagues, friends and even arch rivals to participate: Green Fund Run Challenge 2011
- Venue: Makana Botanical Gardens (Lucas Avenue).
- Time: 16h30 - 17h30.
- More info: Green Fund Run or contact Nikki on 046-603.7205 or email environment(at)ru.ac.za
View previous environmental events at Rhodes University: 2010, 2009, 2008.
View current environmental events at Rhodes University.
Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za
