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April 14, 2008
Soundbites

Water woes are nothing new
“Drought is a normal part of the climate system,” said David Stooksbury, a state climatologist, during a panel discussion on the Georgia drought for National Public Health Week at Emory. The ongoing drought compares to one during the 1950s, the panelists said, however, a burgeoning population, lack of comprehensive planning and heightened expectations for luxuries — like green lawns in mid-summer — are pushing the envelope of water resources.

Recognizing that water management is not a one-size-fits-all problem, a recently passed comprehensive state water management plan is divided into 11 different regions, adding to the complications of implementation, said James Kundell, a water policy expert at the University of Georgia. “It’s something that we’re going to have to do because we can’t take water for granted anymore,” Kundell said. — Carol Clark

Community service Emory’s legacy
Emory’s involvement in service to the community was examined in a symposium April 4.

The past: “Emory has always been engaged in the community but the kind of engagement differs from what we think of it today,” said Vice President Gary Hauk.

The present: Alicia Philipp ’75C noted Emory has moved away from its “chill on the hill” reputation. “Emory is now so much more engaged,” than when she graduated.

The future: The challenge is how to go into the community “as partners, not as teachers,” Philipp said. Bob DeHaan, senior science advisor in educational studies, said, “What works is when you ask ‘how can we help?’ then listen and they tell you.” — Leslie King

Laramée: An activist artist
On April 7, self-described “bad girl” and “whistle-blower” Eve Andrée Laramée, a visiting artist from the Maryland Institute College of Art, brought the ostensibly unrelated realms of art and science together through a lecture exploring her exposés of environmental issues that have yet to make mainstream headlines.

“Art, Science, and Environmental Activism” included anecdotes of projects that reveal issues ranging from sugar dumping in the Hudson River to atomic weapon development in New Mexico.

“Art is the language through which I know how to think about science and nature,” she said. “My art is my research.” — Mary Catherine Johnson