George Crombie is President of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and senior faculty member for public works administration in the MPA program at Norwich University in Vermont. In this interview he discusses the importance of looking to nature (biomimicry), multi-disciplined approach to problem solving, applying the principles of culture, recognizing the importance of  leadership with vision and integrity, and always acting on behalf of the common good.



Mr. Crombie was interviewed by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv in Portland, Oregon on July 28th, 2011 at the APWA Sustainability in Public Works Conference.

As Public Works Director and City Engineer of Oregon City, Nancy Kraushaar, P.E. directs a dedicated top-notch staff who are well-trained and committed to serving customer needs when it comes to public infrastructure and facilities. Their job is to deliver safe and reliable sewer, storm water, transportation, and potable water systems to their users. The Public Works staff plans, constructs, and maintains these systems with a close eye on high quality, progressive practices, controlling costs, and customer service. Oregon City was the first city in the United States west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated. It is the county seat of Clackamas County, Oregon.

Interviewed by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv at the APWA Sustainability conference in Portland, Oregon, June 27, 2011.

Speech before the American Public Works Association (APWA) Sustainability in Public Works Conference, July 27, 2011 in Portland, Oregon. Too often the debate over sustainability is brought down to a level of minutiae or a debate over whether or not climate change is real or not rather than understanding the importance of keeping the balance between the natural and  man-made environment. He cites Rachel Carson, Jane Benyus, and David Orr as models of integrity and vision.

George Crombie is President of the APWA and a senior faculty member for public works administration in the MPA program at Norwich University military college in Vermont.

He was interviewed by Ruth Ann Barrett of EarthSayers.tv, voices of sustainability.

Isarithmic maps are essentially topographic or contour maps, wherein a third variable is represented in two dimensions by color, or by contour lines, indicating gradations. I had never seen such a map depicting political data — certainly not election returns, and thus sought to create them.The isarithmic depiction does an excellent job of highlighting several broad patterns in modern U.S. political history. 

This animated interpretation accentuates certain phenomena: the breadth and duration of support for Roosevelt, the shift from a Democratic to a Republican South, the move from an ostensibly east-west division to the contemporary coasts-versus-heartland division, and the stability of the latter.

More broadly, this video is a reminder that what constitutes “politics as usual” is always in flux, shifting sometimes abruptly. The landscape of American politics is constantly evolving,  as members of the two great parties battle for electoral supremacy.

Millionaire Doug Tompkins wanted to save a rainforest, so he went out and bought one in Southern Chile. Many Chileans though are not so keen on his philanthropy and regard him with suspicion.

The self-made millionaire of the Esprit clothing company, Doug Tompkins, now languishes in an Eden of lush forest, deep rivers and abundant wildlife. His massive reserve, Pumalin Park, is an oasis of biodiverstiy. Conservative politician Jaime Orpis regards the swath of land controlled by Tompkins as a threat to national security. His reserve is a strategic 100km long corridor from the Argentine border to central Chile. For a nation still on the periphery of economic success having such a staunch anti-developmentalist tying up resources is also deeply irritating. Many would prefer him to take his high ideals back home. Tompkins though, came to Chile with a dream and despite the knocks he's staying until the government agrees to protect his park themselves.

Produced by ABC Australia
Distributed by Journeyman Pictures

Part 2 of 2 Rob Bennett is the founding executive director of the Portland Sustainability Institute (PoSI). PoSI was founded in 2009 to systematically bring together business, higher education, nonprofit and municipal leaders to drive a set of next generation urban sustainability initiatives for the Portland metro region.

Rob talks about the concept of EcoDistricts and how the challenge is to blend pieces into a whole and cleaer strategy. He believes that positive change can only come from attacking challenges with enthusiasm for inspiring tangible, sustainable solutions at the local level. He ontinues to work at the intersection of the environment, community social justice, and built form.  For more videos on Portland's sustainability progress, visit Portland Sustainability Leadership channel on YouTube.