NEWSWEEK 11/28/23 By Michael Shank Few recent events have so dramatically undermined a sense of global unity and inflamed world opinion as the Gaza war, which saw a much-needed break in the fighting this week with the temporary, and now extended, truce.These fissures are lasting and could destabilize a solidarity […]
THE HILL 10/04/23 By Michael Shank and US Congressman Lloyd Doggett The accelerating climate emergency demands that we seek progress wherever and whenever possible. Understanding this, the leaders of 50 Ukrainian cities and territories sent a letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm (copied to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US […]
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH 09/17/23 By Michael Shank and Kate Lee There’s a new movement cropping up in city governments across America. It’s apolitical enough that it can avoid the polarization that comes with other climate initiatives. And it’s easy to incorporate because it spans many aspects of city governance and life, […]
SHARED FUTURE 08/07/2023 By Jack Farrar This is the first in a series of articles about peacebuilding and the arts, exploring how creative practices help us revisit our past and reimagine our futures. Introduction “Art is a great matter. Art is an organ of human life, transmitting man’s reasonable perception […]
EURACTIV 08/30/23 By Michael Shank In 2016, Oslo became the world’s first city to adopt a climate budget. In an update due in September, the Norwegian capital is expected to expand the concept to include indirect greenhouse gas emissions, which would be another major first, writes Michael Shank. Michael Shank […]
UNITED NATIONS 07/28/23 Today’s youth population (nearly 1.9 billion) bear the brunt of complex global crises such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of climate change. But far from being passive victims, young women and men continue to emerge as catalysts of change, spearheading innovative solutions and leading […]
REUTERS 08/07/23 By Michael Shank Indigenous peoples’ knowledge of halting wildfires should be tapped more often as climate change stokes blazes from Canada to Australia Wildfires are on everyone’s mind these days (and in everyone’s lungs it seems, too). Whether it’s the recent and ongoing wildfires in Canada – which […]
FAST COMPANY 07/14/23 By Michael Shank and Kate Lee There’s a new movement cropping up in city governments across America. It’s apolitical enough that it can avoid the polarization that comes with other climate initiatives. And it’s easy to incorporate because it spans many aspects of city governance and life, […]
My Life By Lois Shank Gerber June 2011 My life has come nearly full circle. I grew up on a farm near Spring City in Chester County, and now in this period of my life I am back in PA, living in a house located several houses from my immigrant […]
BENNINGTON BANNER 06/19/23 MANCHESTER JOURNAL 06/19/23 RUTLAND HERALD 06/21/23 TIMES ARGUS 06/21/23 By Michael Shank Most cities that consider themselves environmental leaders have developed climate action plans that articulate how they’re reducing emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and promoting circularity and equity. Vermont cities, like Burlington and Montpelier, have done […]