Environmental Studies

St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated as the patron saint of animals and is also recognized as a symbol of pacifism and brotherhood. How then could the figure of St. Francis end up serving the Fascist political project, most tellingly by being declared the Patron Saint of (Fascist) Italy in 1939? Why, and how, would this scrawny Saint become the emblem of a nation dedicated to war?

ENVS 0401 B Community Engaged Environmental Studies Practicum Presentations: Social Change and/or Transformation

Singer and Composer, Moira Smiley and Associate Professor and Chair of Dance, Laurel Jenkins collaboratively present at the Woodin Colloquium Series. Part-lecture, part-performance this event integrates music and movement to evoke presence and connection - an essential starting place for social action.

“Climate Change Impact During the Transition to Renewable Energy in the Natural and Social Landscape in Tierra del Fuego, Southern Chile” a Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Gabriela Mora-Klepis, Senior Research Technician, Geography and Geosciences Department, at The University of Vermont.

Environmental Studies Core Conversations: Truth in Environmentalism
Mez Baker-Medard, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies
Dan Brayton, Julian W. Abernethy Professor of Literature and member of the Environmental Studies Program
Molly Costanza-Robinson, Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies
Joseph Holler, Associate Professor of Geography

“Consilience, Ecology, and Public Education:  A Look at The Walden Project and Perennial Learning” a Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Matthew Schlein, M.A., M.S.W. and Founder/Director of The Willowell Foundation.

“Animal Farming Should Be Environmentalists’ Central Focus” a Howard E. Woodin Environmental Studies Colloquium Series talk by Kevin Kuruc, Assistant Professor of Economics at Middlebury College.

Animal agriculture destroys more habitat than any other human activity and ranks among the most water intensive. The industry produces enough greenhouse gases to push warming close to two degrees on its own. And it causes tremendous suffering to the farmed animals themselves. No human activity is more at odds with our shared goals and values.

Environmental Studies Conversations: Community-Engaged and Collective Action Learning Panel
Lindsey Berk, Executive Director, ACORN
Johanna Miller,Energy and Climate Program Director and VECAN Coordinator, Vermont Natural Resources Council
Amy L. Redman, Environmental Justice and Health Equity Advisor, Vermont Department of Health

“Barriers to Agricultural Change in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from Ethiopia” an Environmental Studies senior thesis presentation by Ben Rosmarin ‘2025.5 Environmental Policy major.