To promote better understanding of environmental problems, issues, and solutions, the Nelson Institute collaborates with a wide spectrum of stakeholders beyond the university campus and serves as a neutral convener around a number of critical environmental issues, from local to the global in scope.
Following are some examples of current and recent outreach activities of the Nelson Institute.
Tales from Planet Earth. This free festival in downtown Madison Nov. 6-8, 2009, will showcase more than 30 environmental films from around the world and feature lectures and discussions by Majora Carter and Winona LaDuke, several award-winning film makers, and scholars.
Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI). This statewide initiative resulted from questions raised by a bipartisan committee of state legislators who wanted to know how climate change could affect their districts and constituents. It began when more than 40 scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and other agencies and institutions met in June 2007 to explore ways to identify and measure the impacts of climate change and variability at local and regional scales.
Nelson Institute Earth Day Conference. "Wisconsin's Energy Future" was the topic of the third annual Nelson Institute Earth Day conference, held Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Madison's Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. The Earth Day conference is an annual event, focusing each year on a timely environmental concern.
Nelson Institute Community Environmental Forum. Launched in the fall of 2006, this series of public seminars addresses key environmental issues facing Wisconsin, Dane County, and Madison. Guest speakers and audience members represent a cross-section of the community, including the private sector, state and local government, nonprofit organizations, and academia.
Gaylord Nelson Lecture Series. This public lecture series honors the late Sen. Gaylord Nelson with a mix of guest speakers on topics related to his legacy.
Yahara Lakes Conference. "A Clean Future for the Yahara Lakes: Solutions for Tomorrow, Starting Today" was the theme of the second Yahara Lakes Conference on October 10, 2008. The conference gathered citizens, scientists, regulators, advocates, farmers, business people, riparians and other experts and stakeholders to work toward collaborative, effective and lasting solutions to the nutrient and sediment pollution that plagues the lakes.
Water Resources Management Workshops. Graduate students in our Water Resources Management Program have prepared more than two dozen comprehensive plans to protect and improve water quality, recreational opportunities, and other public benefits in communities throughout Wisconsin.
Special Events. The Nelson Institute organizes and co-sponsors dozens of special events each year, from lectures by visiting speakers to panel discussions and symposia on topics of current interest.
The Nelson Institute is a partner in the Mpowering Madison campaign to help reduce harmful
greenhouse gas emissions 100,000 tons citywide by 2011. Please click on the M for more information.