Institute Attends Doha Climate Talks 

The Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions' Brian Murray is attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Referred to as COP18, it is the 18th gathering of individuals from more than 190 countries and an important stepping stone in the process toward a legally binding agreement on climate change. At the conference, which ends Dec. 7, Murray has presented two recent papers: 

• Blue Carbon: Up to 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere every year when coastal ecosystems are destroyed. A new Nicholas Institute paper, presented for the first time in Doha, reviews where coastal marine ecosystems may be addressed within existing United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change mechanisms.
• Risk Management: A new report prepared for the World Bank examines alternative approaches to addressing carbon reversal risks under UNFCCC-sanctioned afforestation and reforestation projects to inform ongoing UNFCCC discussions on their effectiveness and economic and practical feasibility.

Tune into a video of Murray discussing the conference and this research from Doha.

Donor Spotlight: N.J. Nicholas Jr. 

Decision makers need access to objective information and independent analysis about environmental issues to secure a sustainable future. Learn about one Nicholas Institute donor's commitment to this. Please consider a financial contribution in support of the Nicholas Institute's work to shape effective environmental policy solutions when making your end-of-year gifts.

Interim State Policy Director Named

Amy Pickle, senior attorney at the Nicholas Institute, has been appointed interim director of the State Policy Program. Pickle will step in for Bill Holman Jan. 2 when Holman, who has served as the Program's director six years, begins work as director of the Conservation Fund's North Carolina office.

Staff Teaching Spring Courses

Educating the next generation of environmental leaders is one of the many ways the Nicholas Institute helps bridge the gap between science and policy. During Duke's spring semester, staff members are aiding in this mission by teaching three courses: Current Issues in Energy Policy, Putting Ecosystem Services Markets into Practice and Understanding Energy Models and Modeling.

Early Retrofitting Protected Ratepayers

Ongoing litigation over U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules raises compliance risks and costs. North Carolina utilities, however, benefited from the state's forward thinking. Nicholas Institute researchers discuss their study in the November issue of Public Utilities Fortnightly. 

Directors Accept Faculty Appointments

Two program directors at the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions have been appointed to faculty roles at Duke University.  

See Olander at National Academies Talk

Watch video of Lydia Olander, director of the Ecosystem Services Program at the Nicholas Institute, presenting at a two-day Institute of Medicine of the National Academies meeting on "Understanding the Connections Between Coastal Waters and Ocean Ecosystem Services and Human Health."