Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Student mock UN Conference “Melting Ice – a Hot Topic” in lead-up to UN World Environment Day  (Students of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences 495 (University of Alberta) Mock conference)

Outline
The timing of this course aligns with the “International Polar Year”. As well, the UN World Environmental Day (June 5, 2007) slogan for 2007 is: “Melting Ice – a Hot Topic?” http://www.unep.org/wed/2007/english/About_WED_2007/index.asp. Consequently, the focal point of the course will be a student-hosted (University of Alberta) ‘preliminary’ United Nations conference to The World Environment Day conference to be held in Tromsø, Norway “Melting Ice – a Hot Topic?”. Students will present research papers as well as conference posters of their choice relating to the UN conference theme. Anticipated topics will include human impacts, mitigation strategies, social and cultural impacts, climate change science. Dignitaries from the University and Edmonton communities will be invited to this ‘mock’ conference.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Largely this mock classroom conference is about raising awareness on the University Campus of the International Polar Year and the World Environment Day conference to be in Norway (June 5, 2007). The mock conference will also give students the opportunity to present their research papers and posters to a broad audience of the university community and the City of Edmonton, Alberta. These university students will experience what it might be like to present papers at a world-scale conference.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
At this time, none. But if other students or organizations in Canada or beyond are doing similar work we’d be happy to collaborate!

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
University of Alberta, location to be determined. Date: April 13

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No - This is a mock UN Conference

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

This is part of the course outline for the course EAS 493 (fourth year undergraduate students)

How will the project be organised and managed?
Students will do the research, prepare research papers, produce posters. Students will invite dignitaries and host the conference.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This mock conference is an educational tool to raise awareness of climate change issues impacting polar regions. We intend on inviting a broad range of dignitaries from the University of Alberta and the City of Edmonton.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
N/A

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Student–led project

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Could we be supplied with posters or other information from your organization?,

PROPOSER DETAILS

Faculty Lecturer Robert PATRICK
University of Alberta
1-26 Earth Sciences Building
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2E3
CANADA

Tel: (780) 492-0350
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation