Sustainability News

The Board’s “education meeting” for 2014 will focus on a core challenge of sustainability—urbanization. Thus, it will be comprised of highly interactive discussions with world renown thinkers and doers on how to make cities sustainable. The discussion theme is “Old Cities/New Cities/Sustainable Cities.” We’ll devote a day to discussing sustainability solutions being applied in the historic city of Amsterdam followed by a day of discussions about how the newly emerging municipality of Haarlemmermeer intends to create cities that are the most sustainable in Europe.

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In recognition of the United Nations' International Year of Family Farming, Eakin discusses the role of the family farm in meeting our most pressing sustainability challenges: food security, poverty alleviation, and environmental integrity.

The Decision Center for a Desert City at Arizona State University, CAP's sister project, has published a synthesis document "Advancing Science in Support of Water Policy and Urban Climate Change Adaptation at Arizona State University’s Decision Center for a Desert City: A Synthesis of Interdisciplinary Research on Climate, Water, and Decision-Making Under Uncertainty." CAP scientist Kelli Larson is the lead author on this document. The report summarizes the center’s major achievements in research, education, and community and institutional outreach since its founding in 2004.

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and organized under ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability, DCDC is focused on water sustainability, urban climate adaptation, and decision-making under uncertainty. The center pursues research, in close collaboration with stakeholders, to create a more sustainable future. Research and modeling efforts analyze interacting factors such as population growth and economic development, climate change and variability, water supplies and demands, and governance to inform water management and other environmental decisions among diverse stakeholders.

CAP will be holding its 16th annual All Scientists Meeting and Poster Symposium on January 17th at ASU's SkySong facility in Scottsdale. Joyce Coffee, Managing Director of the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index (ND-GAIN), will be the keynote speaker. ND-GAIN is the world’s leading index showing which countries are best prepared to deal with the droughts, superstorms, and other natural disasters climate change can cause. Ms. Coffee will be speaking on "Adaptation Implementation: Efforts to Parlay Research into Action in Three Sectors." She will bring a wealth of experience working on climate change and sustainability, particularly in the governmental and corporate sectors, into her presentation, including work directing the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan.

In addition to Ms. Coffee’s keynote presentation in the morning, Dave White, co-Director of the Decision Center for a Desert City (DCDC), will speak about the recently-published report of findings from 10 years of DCDC research, education, and outreach in the greater Phoenix area. Since CAP is involved in writing its own synthesis volume reflecting on 16 years of urban socioecological research, the day's presentations will include the lead authors of these chapters presenting their work in morning and afternoon sessions. Among the presenters will be Christopher Boone, Paige Warren, Kerry Smith, Jianguo Wu, and Nancy Grimm. These will be thought-provoking presentations that not only synthesize CAP’s past research but also point the way toward future urban socioecological research and practice.

The program for the CAP ASM lists abstracts for the 48 posters that will be presented by a talented group of students, faculty, and staff.

Kelli Larson’s interdisciplinary background lies in resource geography and environmental studies. Her research primarily deals with nature-society relationships and natural resource management. In the past, Dr. Larson has also investigated sustainable farming decisions and international water conflicts. Now at ASU, metro Phoenix serves as a primary laboratory for her work with the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research and the Decision Center for a Desert City. You can learn more in Dr. Larson’s courses: Society and the Environment, Human Dimensions of Sustainability, Geographic Research Methods, and Workshops on Residential Land Management and Urban Water Governance.

1. Can you describe the first time you became interested in sustainability?

I first approached the topic of sustainability through the lens of natural resource management, specifically the fact that environmental resources on which society depends are being depleted and degraded to points at which both communities and ecosystems are suffering around the world.

2. What made you want to become a professor?

I have a passion for knowledge and learning, including a deep curiosity in understanding how and why people do what they do in relation to natural resources and the environment. This was largely sparked by my undergraduate mentors, one of whom hired me to do research in my junior and senior years. I fell in love with the research process, and my mentors encouraged and recruited me to stay on for a master’s degree. From there, I just kept moving toward the academic path of research, teaching, and service. As a professor now, I highly value the flexibility I have in continuing to pursue my own intellectual interests and problems that are important for society and the environment.

3. Why did you choose to teach and conduct research at Arizona State University?

I chose ASU for the vast opportunities offered by various programs across the university, particularly in the realm of urban ecology and sustainability. The Decision Center for a Desert City and Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research (CAP LTER) programs especially sparked my interest, as did the focus on interdisciplinary, problem-driven research and teaching. In short, when I first read my position’s description, it seemed as though the job was written specially for me.

4. How did your personal university education shape the way you teach now?

Both as a human-environment geographer and a scholar in the environmental sciences, I cannot imagine approaching sustainability without a transdisciplinary mindset. This pervades my teaching, along with a problem- and goal-centric focus. Some of my favorite teachers in the past employed a “devil’s advocate” path to critical thinking, which has also led to my inclusion of debates and attention to differing perspectives and viewpoints in my classes—be they scientific, political, cultural or otherwise.

5. What can students expect from your courses?

I encourage my students to back up their own views with knowledge and sound logic, regardless of what they think about various sustainability matters as they enter my courses. This includes questioning assumptions and preconceived ideas about the causes and consequences of particular problems. In addition to thinking critically (rather than simplistically) about sustainability, I feel strongly about the need for students to draw from credible and diverse information sources in their own research and projects. I also emphasize writing skills and professionalism, as I see these as essential tools regardless of where students’ futures lead them after their time at ASU.

6. What is one main “golden nugget” of knowledge you infuse into all of your courses?

What people think and do matters, as we ourselves are agents of change! Further, we don’t all think or act in the same manner for diverse and complex reasons that are critical in pursuing sustainability.

7. In your own words, describe your research interests.

My research lies at the intersection of human-environment relations and environmental governance, particularly water management. This primarily means I focus on what people do and why they do it, so that policies and programs can be structured to solve sustainability problems and to manage natural resources both fairly and effectively. Right now, the overarching questions guiding my ongoing research projects are: 1) How and why are residential landscapes managed in certain ways, and what are the implications for water resources, ecosystem services, and urban sustainability, and 2) How and why are community water systems vulnerable or resilient to climate changes, urbanization, and other perturbations, and how might water management and environmental planning be transformed toward a sustainable future.

8. How do your research interests help achieve a more sustainable future?

My interests help understand human behavior as well as the social acceptability and political feasibility of various natural resource management regimes. My research provides recommendations for how we might govern resources in ways that meet societal goals, while also providing insights on how to improve the well-being of diverse communities and ecosystems now and into the future.

9. What is the global sustainability challenge that concerns you the most?

I am most concerned with equitable access to water of a sufficient quality, both for people and ecosystems.

10. Finally, what does the word “sustainability” mean to you?

Simply put, sustainability means living in ways that can continue into the future. Although my own educational training was based more in the environmental sciences, I see sustainability as distinctive in that it more centrally considers not just the natural environment, but also society and the economy. Moreover, as a problem- and goal-centered field of study, and because of complex human-environment dynamics involving difficult tradeoffs, sustainability must adaptively address multiple objectives with effectiveness, efficiency, and equity as important criteria for decision-making.

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University has appointed Cheryl Selinsky as senior director and chief operating officer. In this role, Selinsky will direct all operational and financial aspects for the research institute.

Biodesign combines the talents of more than 500 scientists and staff to advance research that will improve human health and the health of our planet and make the world a safer place.

“The atmosphere within the Biodesign Institute is one of true collaboration and teamwork, an environment conducive to big science,” says Selinsky. “I count my time there as one of the best opportunities I have had to develop technical skills, mentor junior scientists and drive scientific programs forward.”

Selinsky has 20 years of experience in translational research and product and technology development. Her most recent position was as the senior director for translational research development at the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix.

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Inspired by sustainability scientist Mark Henderson's class, students in the College of Technology and Innovation have received a $10,000 microgrant administered by IDEO.org to tackle global poverty using Biochar, a charcoal created from agricultural waste.

Three local start-up businesses that best address sustainability challenges were awarded a total of $6,000 from the Walton Sustainability Solutions Festival, a program under the Global Institute of Sustainability's Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives. The ventures are supported by SEED SPOT Phoenix, part of the national SEED SPOT program that works with entrepreneurs to bring their socially minded products, technology, or services to market.

Innovative HITECH Healthcare Solutions, awarded $3,000, is developing mobile-friendly apps that connect patients with health care providers for more efficient and satisfactory care. Guardian NPX, awarded $2,000, was chosen for its all-natural, FDA-approved lice removal treatment that lowers student absences. Box Play for Kids was given $1,000 for creating eco-friendly toys out of boxes and recycled stickers. Each winner will be attending the 2014 Sustainability Solutions Festival during Feb. 17-22 in Tempe and Phoenix.

"We are very excited to make these modest awards to these three inspirational, blossoming ventures," says Patricia Reiter, director of the Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives. "Each of these companies creatively address environmental, social and economic challenges through their products and their business plans."

According to the latest report compiled by ASU's Sustainability Solutions Services, a program within the Global Institute of Sustainability’s Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, the City of Phoenix has not only reached its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal, but has exceeded it. The goal, set in 2008, was to reduce emissions from city operations by 5 percent below the 2005 levels by 2015. By 2012, the city managed to reduce emissions by 7.2 percent three years ahead schedule.

"This is great for Phoenix and I’m very excited to see that we may be able to double or even possibly triple the reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions by 2015," says Mayor Greg Stanton. "We are making Phoenix a cleaner and healthier place to live and work."

City advancements include energy-efficient street lighting, landfill methane capture systems, alternative fuels, wastewater upgrades, solar power projects, and building retrofits.

Arizona State University's LightWorks is funding a comprehensive training program on renewable energy with An-Najah National University in West Bank. The first training session was on Nov. 17 in Nablus, West Bank and attendees included the Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, officials from the Palestinian Energy Authority, and university representatives including Global Institute of Sustainability Scientist Mike Pasqualetti.

"The objective of this course is to develop a comprehensive training program on renewable energy," says Sayfe Kiaei, director of Connection One and professor in ASU's School of Electrical, Energy and Computer Engineering. "The participants included representatives from energy industry, utility companies, policymakers, and energy sectors. After a one-week successful training program at An-Najah, there will be a one-week course at ASU."

Palestinian energy professionals will meet in 2014 at ASU to complete the training.

The recent uprising of innovative energy technologies is profiled in a Phoenix Business Journal article by reporter Hayley Ringle. Currently, "homegrown" power is replacing utility-based power, making large corporations like Arizona Public Service (APS) struggle to keep up. Emerging technologies like solar, wind, and battery storage are driving down costs and making more people turn to renewable energy. Several experts from Arizona State University weigh in, including the Global Institute of Sustainability's Mick Dalrymple and Harvey Bryan.

Self-sufficient home and business owners with rooftop solar have created a heated energy environment in Arizona, with utilities fighting against it.

"When you’re generating kilowatt-hours behind the meter, for yourself, you’re taking away kilowatt-hours that would ordinarily be sold by the utility," Bryan says. "You’re competing with them in a way."

Time will only tell if utilities catch-up with technology.

"One thing is for sure: No industry that has fought to slow or prevent technological innovation has won in the long run," says Dalrymple. "It is not a winning strategy."

The Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office Algae Program visited ASU on Nov. 19-20 to host its Algal Biofuels Strategy Workshop for interested stakeholders, scientists, industry professionals, and government officials. ASU staff and faculty from the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI), the AzCATI-led Algae Testbed Public-Private Partnership (ATP3), and the College of Technology and Innovation attended the workshop as well.

"ATP3 welcomed this opportunity to display our capabilities and talents to the workshop attendees and the U.S. Department of Energy," said Gary Dirks, director of ATP3 and the Global Institute of Sustainability.

Participants applied their knowledge in hands-on training sessions at AzCATI, learning about the current progress of algae research, barriers to algae-based fuels, and metrics.

In a Slate Future Tense article, Distinguished Sustainability Scientist Brad Allenby writes how today's technology is masking civilians' understanding of war. Technologies like biotechnology, nanotechnology, drones, and communications are steadily increasing the gap between civilians and military professionals and making war more "socially acceptable."

"This is a dangerous complacency in a society where class cleavage and political divisiveness is going stronger, where fewer and fewer institutions provide opportunities that cut across self-selected communities of interest and ideology, and where the divide between civilian and military cultures is already dangerous and growing wider," writes Allenby, also a Lincoln Professor of Engineering and Ethics and Founding Chair of the Consortium on Emerging Technologies, Military Operations, and National Security.

To compensate for the dangerous gap between experienced military personnel and volunteers, Allenby suggests reinstating the draft. A draft would also improve the public's understanding of battle practices, policies, and methods.

Dr. Cruz-Torres is a Senior Sustainability Scientist in the Global Institute of Sustainability, a faculty member in the School of Sustainability, and an associate professor in the School of Transborder Studies. Before coming to Arizona State University, Dr. Cruz-Torres was a consultant for a National Science Foundation Bio-complexity Project focusing on the links between human and biophysical processes in coastal marine ecosystems in Baja California, Mexico. She was also a Visiting Scholar in the Marine Ecosystem Sustainability in the Artic and Subarctic (MESAS), an INGERT-NSF funded program within the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska- Fairbanks. She has researched the social and environmental dimensions of fisheries and aquaculture development in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Florida. In addition to her professorship at the School of Sustainability, she is a former President of the Political Ecology Society.

1. Can you describe the first time when you became interested in sustainability?

As a child growing up in coastal Puerto Rico, I became aware at a very young age about the importance of protecting our forests, rivers, and marine ecosystems. Living in a tropical island has many challenges: it rains almost every day; plants grow quickly; there is lots of sunlight; and the ocean gives us islanders a strong sense of identity. Both of my grandfathers were farmers who relied on the land to make a living and to support their families. They instilled in me an appreciation for the natural environment, and I spent most of my childhood listening to their stories about storms and hurricanes and how these impacted their crops.

Later on in college, I chose to major in marine biology and that’s when everything I learned as child made lots of sense. I took courses on coastal resources management and marine policy that opened up my eyes a to the enormous impact we have on the environment, and how we need to protect our natural resources in light of all the economic development taking place on the island.

2. What made you want to become a professor?

My teachers were always my greatest inspiration. In particular, my college and graduate advisers made the biggest impression on me. They are both very accomplished scholars in their fields—one a marine botanist, the other a human ecologist. Both are engaging, encouraging, caring, and have long, exciting, and fruitful academic careers. They are also very bright and very strong women who faced many obstacles in life but who have also accomplished a lot. I still keep in touch with them.

3. Can you describe your teaching style?

I like for my students to be active learners; to come to class with questions, ideas, participate in class discussion, and to challenge me and themselves.

4. What do you hope your students will learn in your classes?

I teach a variety of classes, but I would like for my students to learn about the common challenges that we face as humans and how we deal, respond, or adapt to these.

5. How can your research interests like gender and transborder studies achieve a more sustainable future?

I have broad research interests, but my focus is the study of the political ecology in fisheries-dependent communities. Small-scale fisheries in particular contribute to food security, but few studies have addressed the role of women and gender in shaping access to fishing resources in Latin America or the Caribbean.

From my long-term research in Northwestern Mexico, I learned that once fishing resources are depleted, households struggle to find other viable livelihoods. Women share a large part of the responsibility for sustaining their households and when they cannot continue to secure sustainable livelihoods within their communities, they often consider migration as the last recourse.

In some of the coastal communities I studied in Sinaloa, Mexico, entire families are now migrating to the US-Mexican border region searching for work in the maquiladoras (assembly plants). Others rely on the remittances sent back home from family members living in the U.S. Thus, the transnational ties between Mexican people on both sides of the border become more important as their relationships spread and expand.

6. In what ways does your current research as a professor contribute to the field of sustainability?

My current research focuses on fisheries and their contribution to food security in rural and urban settings. I hope it can contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between coupled human and natural systems, and how this is mediated by power relations and local and global environmental changes.

7. What is the global sustainability challenge that concerns you the most and why?

Food security. Food production needs to adopt better management practices, particularly in regard to water quality, land changes and tenure, and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. Local ecological knowledge is key in the development of a more integrated and egalitarian natural resource management model, especially in the southern countries. Food distribution also needs to be more equitable on both hemispheres.

8. Finally, what does the word “sustainability” mean to you?

Sustainability is a both a challenge and a goal that could have the potential to lead to a better quality of life for all humans, our physical environment, and the overall planet.

This Saturday, students and researchers from all three major Arizona universities will unite to showcase their current algae projects, in particular, using wastewater to grow algae for food, fuel, and feed. Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of Arizona will share their work on Saturday, Nov. 2, in room 101 of the Engineering Building 69 on NAU's campus in Flagstaff.

"The three Arizona universities bring exceptional talent to the field of algae," says Milton Sommerfeld, senior sustainability scientist and co-director of the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation (AzCATI) at ASU, the leading institution of the collaboration. "Our goal is to help place Arizona at the forefront of this developing technology and provide the education and training necessary to support this effort."

Interested participants who cannot attend are welcome to tune into the event online at http://www.cefns.nau.edu/~teb/rtx/PlayLive/RTX_PlayLive_Beta.html.

Arizona Student Environmental Coalition

The Arizona Student Environmental Coalition (ASEC) is a political action organization made up entirely of college students in the state of Arizona. The group believes that Arizona must transition from a fossil fuel economy to a clean energy economy, which for them means a prompt phase-out of coal fired electricity and the creation of a vibrant new solar industry. ASEC is a group of diligent citizens, safeguarding their local and global environment for future generations and for their own future on this planet.

Student Organization Profile | Facebook

Energy Club at ASU

The purpose of the Energy Club is to keep its members actively engaged with and abreast of economic, social, technological, and policy issues affecting the energy sector and to educate students about the grand challenges impacting the global energy sector. The Energy Club provides a forum for interdisciplinary student discussion, interaction, and engagement related to global energy issues.

Student Organization Profile | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Engineers Without Borders, ASU Chapter

Engineers Without Borders, ASU chapter, is a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities to improve their quality of life through implementation of environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects. The group connects university students, ASU faculty, and industry professionals to applied projects.

Student Organization Profile | Website

Global Water Brigades

Water Brigades is one of many programs in Global Brigades, the world's largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Water Brigades works to prevent water related illnesses in communities with limited access to clean water, by helping with planning, design, and construction of water systems. Additionally the group provides education and training so that the community can properly administer, operate, maintain, and sustain their water system.

Student Organization Profile | Website

GlobalResolve

GlobalResolve works together with a range of partners to develop sustainable technologies and programs in the areas of energy, clean water, and local economic development for rural communities in the developing world.

Student Organization Profile | Website

GreenLight Solutions

GreenLight Solutions is a student-run sustainability consulting service that exists to enable sustainability minded undergraduate and graduate students at ASU to apply their education, through consulting projects, to help organizations to operate more sustainably.

Student Organization Profile | Website

Local to Global Justice

This group’s primary goal is to educate ASU students and the greater community about issues of local and global justice, while promoting diversity, freedom of speech, and academic freedom of discussion. The group believes it is vital to connect local diversity, sustainability, and social justice issues to larger global struggles.

Student Organization Profile | Website | Facebook

Nourish International at ASU

Nourish International at ASU works to eradicate poverty by engaging students and empowering communities. Nourish serves to help students take a stand against the poverty crisis in a tangible way. By actively engaging in social entrepreneurship, the group works alongside developing communities to implement sustainable development projects, serving as a resource and catalyst for communities.

Student Organization Profile | Website

Real Food ASU

Real Food Challenge is a nationwide non-profit grassroots leadership project. Real Food's goal is to address topics within food systems, especially local, humane, fair, and ecologically sound food. The group works toward an understanding of what type of food system nourishes the producers, consumers, community, and earth.

Student Organization Profile | Website |Facebook | Twitter

Sun Devils for Wildlife Conservation

This group’s goal is to spread awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation through active participation in legislation and to assist local conservation groups financially and physically through fundraising and volunteer efforts. Additionally, the group works with several animal rights organizations to improve the treatment of animals in Arizona.

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U.S. Green Building Council, ASU Chapter

USGBC Students is an official organization of the U.S. Green Building Council. The organization fosters education, community involvement, scientific study, and research in the field of environmentally sustainable building. ASU’s chapter has a goal to help students at ASU gain the knowledge needed to become LEED Accredited through study sessions, educational workshops, and practice tests.

Student Organization Profile | Website

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Arizona State Cycling Community

Arizona State Cycling Community's (ASCC) primary mission is to improve access to cycling resources and services. ASCC also lobbies the university and local governments for the interests of ASU cyclists. ASCC organizes exciting bicycle social events and reaches out to the greater cycling community.

Student Organization Profile | Facebook

ASU Grow

ASU Grow is a group of organic desert gardeners who learn by doing. They manage the vegetable gardens, herb garden and other edible plants on campus. In exchange for garden space, water, seeds, and access to garden tools, members of ASU Grow volunteer for the Arboretum at ASU.

Student Organization Profile | Website | Facebook

Barrett Sustainability Club

The Barrett Sustainability Club is a group of students in the honors college that enjoys learning about the world and their place in it. The group emphasizes learning about how society impacts the environment and what people can do to reduce their personal impact. The group values sustainable living practices and promotes an environmentally and socially responsible lifestyle.

Student Organization Profile | Website

UpRoot, The ASU Gardening Club

Dedicated and passionate students, faculty, and staff design, organize, and create an organic community garden on the West Campus. The group advocates and promotes healthier lifestyles and sustainable living at ASU and in the community through gardening, educational events, and research.

Student Organization Profile | Facebook

VegAware at ASU

VegAware is a student organization that works to spread awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle and to create a community for students who live a veg lifestyle. VegAware is open to all who have a genuine interest in the animal rights, health and wellness, and environmental issues that lead many to choose a meatless life.

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Global Sustainability Studies Initiative

By promoting the study of sustainability in a global context, the Global Sustainability Studies Initiative (GSSI) strives to help individuals develop the skills and abilities necessary to solve sustainability problems which are transdisciplinary and global in scope. The group achieves its goals through merit and non-merit based scholarships, fundraisers, and other events to raise money for members to study abroad. It serves as a network for those who have practiced sustainability study abroad and those who have not.

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Honor Society for Sustainability, Alpha Chapter

This network of sustainability scholars has demonstrated academic excellence and is committed to solving global challenges of sustainability. The group’s goals are to achieve widespread application of sustainable principles; empower members for success; recognize notable sustainability achievements; stimulate dialogues that redefine complex problems in sustainable terms; and make lasting and meaningful contributions in the lives of others.

Student Organization Profile | Website | Facebook

Net Impact, Arizona State University

Affiliated with ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business MBA program, Net Impact and the ASU Student Chapter strives to improve the world by growing and strengthening a network of leaders who use the power of business to make a positive net social, environmental, and economic impact.

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Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability (SEEDS)

SEEDS engages students in the world of ecology through research opportunities, workshops, volunteering, and other events. The group works with the Ecological Society of America, and travels to Long Term Ecological Research sites throughout the U.S. to see projects in action. The group also does local volunteering related to ecology, from helping schools judge science fairs to pulling invasive weeds.

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Campus Student Sustainability Initiatives

Campus Student Sustainability Initiatives (CSSI) is a student-run organization incorporating volunteer opportunities, projects, and initiatives on campus. CSSI strives to bring sustainable change to the campus, including on-campus events, and to educate students, staff, and faculty about how ASU can be a more sustainable university and a sustainable leader in higher education.

Student Organization Profile | Website

Green Devils

Located at the Polytechnic campus, this group’s mission is to make ASU campuses and surrounding community more sustainable. Group members are project leaders. Members get experience on how to run projects and organize events.

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School of Sustainability College Council

This group’s mission is to host events that unite students and faculty who share the common interest of sustainability. The group also helps new students as they transition into SOS, reducing stress and bringing out their best.

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With water levels dipping in Lake Mead and population growth at an all-time high, policymakers, government agencies, and growers need to be equipped with proper water-saving agriculture and agro-ecosystem methods. To provide guidance on crop variations and water-conserving cropping patterns, Senior Sustainability Scientist Soe Myint and the Agri-Business Council of Arizona organized a workshop at ASU SkySong on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013.

Local farmers, USDA, Maricopa County Farm Bureau, Arizona Department of Water Resources, and other stakeholders worked with scientists to compare crop types to alleviate growing season risk and potentially increase profit while saving water for farmers in Arizona. Senior Sustainability Scientists Libby Wentz and Rimjhim Aggarwal served as speakers and Senior Sustainability Scientist Nancy Selover offered her expertise as the AZ State Climatologist.

Myint is the principal investigator of the NOAA-funded project, "Evaluation of Drought Risks and its Impact on Agricultural Land and Water Use to Support Adaptive Decision-Making" with additional funds being supplied by ASU's Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research and Decision Center for a Desert City.