#rappaport

Okay, here's my problem. My father's last name is Rappaport. It's a Jewish surname with a long history and is one of the "priestly"/kohenic names. More importantly, it's an Ashkenazi name. In the 1790, there were between 1000-2000 Jews in the US and the majority of them were Sephardic.

What's the odds that an Orthodox Ashkenazi Jewish woman from a male-priestly background is going to be Head Witch In Charge? Where did JKR even find that name? Did she pick it out of "minority names" hat?

The Future of Renewable Natural Gas in Massachusetts

In this thesis Shoshana examined both the technical potential for renewable natural gas in Massachusetts and different regulatory approaches pursued in other New England states. The combination of detailed quantitative analysis with carefully designed case studies of policy development and implementation provides decision makers with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities associated with introducing biogas as climate mitigation strategy.

Abstract

The Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act directs the Commonwealth to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions significantly by 2050. Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a low-carbon fuel that can replace natural gas in the pipeline. National Renewable Energy Laboratory data on methane potential from waste feedstocks in MA was used to calculate the percentage of gas consumption that could be replaced by RNG and the emissions reductions. 

Collaborating for Climate Change Adaptation Planning at the Watershed Scale: A Case Study of the Resilient Mystic Collaborative

More details can be found on the UEP Practical Visionaries Blog

Abstract

This study explores watershed-based collaboratives for climate change adaptation planning and uses the Resilient Mystic Collaborative (RMC) as a critical case. Conducting research as a participant observer, the author compiled the case study using observation notes, interviews, GIS mapping and a survey of collaborative members. 

Multispecies Planning: Locating Nonhuman Entanglements in Oyster Restoration Policy on the Massachusetts Coast

More details can be found on the UEP Practical Visionaries Blog

Abstract

Nature-based infrastructure (NBI) ties together ecology and planning. It is significant as an innovation and because it potentiates new and different human-environment relations. Drawing upon recent anthropological efforts to explore multispecies entanglements, this thesis considers the NBI work of the Massachusetts Oyster Project. 

It’s Too Darn Hot: How Rising Temperatures are Linked to Climate Change in the U.S. Print Media

Abstract

The print media has a profound impact on the public’s opinion and knowledge of environmental issues, including climate change. This thesis explores how the media connects a key impact of climate change, rising temperatures, to climate change itself through a content analysis of newspaper articles about rising temperatures from the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post from January 1, 1988 to December 31, 2015. 

Reducing Gridlock on the Grid: Utility Trends in Managing Peak Electric Load Through Residential Demand Response

Abstract

Utilities across the United States are piloting residential demand response programs to help manage peak electric demand. Using publicly available program evaluations, this thesis analyzes nine such programs to uncover and synthesize the range of program offerings, goals, enrollment strategies, and customer experiences.