Study establishes a new community design typology addressing three realms of sustainability; ecology, economics and equity, and provides a planning model that meets the specific needs of elderly or mobility-impaired citizens. Environmental domains investigated range in scale, beginning with global and national macro-scale issues of climate change, energy consumption and air quality. An intermediate meso-layer encompasses state, regional and community...

A robust body of research has identified three primary life experiences that foster a lasting commitment to active care for the environment. These are: time spent enjoying nature, especially during childhood; a close, often familial, role model for nature appreciation; and participation in a nature or environment focused organization that offers direct learning opportunities. Family nature clubs (FNCs) bring groups of families together to explore...

"This dissertation is a collection of stories and experiences from the Tibetan nomads surrounding the DzaChu (Mekong River) of Kham, in Qinghai Province. The DzaChu is a sacred area that is threatened by climate change. The author uses mindful inquiry as the basis of this ethnographic study. Long term participatory observation and over thirty focus groups within the DzaChu Watershed point to the thesis: Climate Change is one of the greatest threats...

This study examines the complex factors and causes of Haiti's ecological demise, identifying the tipping points which led to its early environmental challenges, its eventual isolation, economic stagnation and decline within the exclusionary global economic system of mercantilism, all resulting in, and reinforced by, a complex western ideological bias defined as 'Haitiism'. The literature review examines the historical trends of colonized and independent...

Moving away from education for and about sustainability, the purpose of this study was to answer Steven Sterling's (2001) call for education as sustainability. Education as sustainability is the processes and dynamics of the classroom to foster trans-formative sustainability learning experiences towards living and learning ecologically sustainable lives. Food is a critical link to foster sustainable communities (Pollan, 2013; Berry, 1987, 2009; Esteva...

"Mountains are filled with both mystery and grandeur. They are places where the natural world can be experienced in its most raw form. Humans have been climbing mountains for centuries, yet it is still difficult to adequately explain what draws people to the mountains. There is danger in the mountains, but there can also be rewards in the form of physical health, mental well-being, and personal growth. My climbing experience has led me to believe...

"This research examined the personal, professional, and developmental impact of introducing a constructive developmental perspective to faculty and students in a post-secondary program in sustainability education and leadership development. It also explored the relationship between adult development and sustainability education, teaching, and mentorship. There is increasing emphasis on integrating human interiors (values, beliefs, worldviews) in sustainability...

"With increasing uncertainty regarding the health of natural ecosystems susceptible to climate change, a growing and diversifying human population is continuing to strain the sustainability of natural resources. How is society to prepare a future citizenry in the age of information and technology to lead though unforeseen sustainability challenges while still using education methods designed for the age of industrialization? In this dissertation,...

"This narrative inquiry asked participants to reflect on their lived experiences in formal education and assessed if schooling was adapting effectively to the complexities of the 21st century. The study drew from participants' connection to learning and interconnected their insights with inclusive pedagogies and ecological awareness concepts. The analysis explored why the conventional educational model persists and counters transformational change....

"Conservation gardening incorporates environmentally friendly techniques into the care of urban landscapes. Prior research has demonstrated an ecological benefit of this approach to residential land management. This research was undertaken to better understand the individuals who partake in conservation gardening. A mail questionnaire was developed that included several connection to nature indicators, an outdoor recreation inventory, and demographic...