New center will focus environmental debate and produce solutions for action

The center will not, however, advocate, lobby or directly build constituencies around specific topics, said Roland Wall, the Academy's Director of Environmental Policy, who is the new center's director.

Top of the agenda for the center are these projects, which have already begun:

• Green Museum Initiative. Working in collaboration with the Clinton Climate Change Initiative and the Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Sustainability, the center is spearheading efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of Philadelphia's museums and cultural institutions.
• Interfaith Environmental Network. The center is coordinating faith-based organizations in Philadelphia which want to be involved in stewardship of the environment. Nearly 20 churches and religious organizations already are part of the network.
• The Urban Sustainability Forum. The Academy will continue to sponsor and host this ongoing series of public meetings designed to help Philadelphia become the greenest, most livable city in America. The forum will be an ongoing site for cutting-edge ideas on the urban environment as well as an opportunity for dialogue between experts, decision-makers and the public.
• Philadelphia Recycling Symposium. Starting in November, the Academy will work with the Recycling Alliance of Philadelphia to sponsor public meetings of city officials, recycling professionals, activists and community leaders to develop policy and raise awareness, marking a weeklong push by the city to emphasize recycling.

Christine Knapp, Director of Outreach for Penn Future said, "We have worked closely with the Academy for three years on the Urban Sustainability Forum and look forward to them taking on this expanded role. The Academy's reputation and resources will offer many opportunities for creative partnerships."

"The Center for Environmental Policy is a logical, next-step in the Academy's commitment to understanding and protecting the environment, especially in changing the negative impacts of people," Wall said.

For more information, log on to www.ansp.org/environmental.

Founded in 1812, The Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural history museum in the Americas and is a world leader in biodiversity and environmental research. The mission of the Academy is the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences.

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