Better Solving Complex Multi-Disciplinary Problems

BETTER SOLVING MULTI-DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS

Social and environmental systems are linked and, as this relationship becomes ever more apparent, governments, communities and organizations are increasingly faced with, and focused on, problems that are complex, wicked, and transgress traditional disciplinary boundaries. Indicative of this focus, 12 of the 17 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals directly reference linkages between human development challenges and environmental health. A new article co-authored by the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions' Lydia Olander in the journal Nature Sustainability, and a companion commentary, suggest that evidence-based approaches to solve these complex multi-disciplinary challenges must draw on knowledge from the environment, development, and health domains. To address barriers in multi-disciplinary evidence assessment, an approach to evidence assessment that is broader and less hierarchical than the standards often applied within disciplines was developed.

PAPER: GREEN BANK DESIGN IN THE SOUTHEAST

Green banks use funds to reduce the risk for private investment to support energy efficiency and clean energy. Read a new Nicholas Institute primer co-authored by the Nicholas Institute's Jen Weiss and Kate Konschnik that outlines the design elements of a green bank and explores how a green bank might leverage public funds in the Southeast to create a robust market for clean energy investment. If you are interested in learning more about green bank design, register to join us for a webinar 10-11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 17, exploring design elements and sharing successful design examples from experts at the Coalition for Green Capital, Michigan Saves, and Florida's Solar and Energy Loan Fund.

TRAINING SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES LEADERS

The Nicholas Institute and Duke University are a partner in the newly launched Pacific Catalyst, a consortium of educators and international policy experts that aims to develop and inspire a new generation of fisheries leaders across the Pacific Islands region.

Energy Week at Duke University November 4-9 \| Durham, North Carolina	Methods for Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Decision Making: Conceptual Models and Benefit-Relevant Indicators December 3 \| Arlington, Virginia
ISO/RTO Perspectives on System Reliability and Resilience December 5 \| Washington, D.C.	Mobilizing Technology and Business Models to Close the Energy Gap January 6-8, 2019 \| Durham, North Carolina

Science Magazine, Changes Are Needed to Fund U.S. Water Infrastructure	Los Angeles Times, Environmentalists Worry that Florence will Leave Behind a Toxic Mess in North Carolina
Bloomberg, New Jersey, Virginia Move to Join Regional Carbon Trading in 2020	The News and Observer, Our Nearby Dams Worked After Florence. But Someday They Won't.