Ice Sculptures in the Evening

Lysvandring i Botanisk hage

Plants alight in the botanical gardens.

First of all, sorry I haven't posted anything in quite awhile; I've been very busy with studies, an internship, and working on several proposals. I'll try to post more things in the coming weeks. That being said, I hope everyone's 2019 is off to a great start! 

Semi circle of ice sculptures.

Valentine's day isn't a big thing in Norway. Really it felt like a normal day, until the occasional man carrying flowers reminded me it wasn't just a typical Thursday.

Ice sculptures.

Rather than going on a fancy date, or being spoiled with flowers and chocolates; I enjoyed a quick trip down to the natural history museum's botanical gardens for an evening of lights and science.

Lights, colors, ice.

In coordination with the 2019 European Green Capital festivities happening in Oslo, the botanical garden hosted a display of carved ice sculptures, lights, and educational activities. 

View of the ice sculptures.

Throughout the gardens there were stands relating to health, anatomy, insects, and climate; offering visitors the chance to view the museum collections and learn something during their nighttime stroll.

Frozen 'virus' sculptures.

Unfortunately, I didn't have too much time to spend checking out the stands, because I needed to get home to finish an application. So, I mostly came to enjoy the ice sculptures.

Bright blue ice virus.

Lysvandring i Botanisk hage (light walk in the botanical garden) did not disappoint. I enjoyed getting to see the different light displays, and even saw a stand with self playing guitars.

Ice sculpture of a virus.

My favorite part of the evening was looking at the ice sculptures all lit up. The theme for the sculptures this year was viruses, which explains the variety of different abstract shapes.

Glowing virus sculpture.

Fortunately, yesterday was much warmer than earlier this winter (3-5 degrees C; hot compared to the typical negative temps), making for a pleasant walk. The only problem with the heat is that the snow melts, making the paths much more slippery. Luckily even with the dim lighting I managed to stay on my feet.

Ice sculpture.

Overall, it was another lovely night in Oslo. Tusen takk!

Tvergastein: Interdisciplinary Journal of the Environment

An Environmental Journal? 

In addition to my studies, I am on the board of an academic interdisciplinary journal called, Tvergastein, which is based at the University of Oslo's Centre for Environment and Development (SUM). Tvergastein is named after the location of SUM founder and inspirational figure, Arne Naess' cabin retreat.  We publish two journals each year with various articles relation to different themes. Our next edition, coming out this January, is focused on Peace & Environment.

Now Accepting Submissions!

Currently we're taking submissions for our upcoming issue on Peace & Environment.  Everyone interested is encouraged to submit a piece! We want to hear your own interpretations, experiences, or research on the topic of conflict and/or peace, & the environment.

- Submissions can be op-ed or academic style

- Deadline is October 1st, 2018

Go to www.tvergastein.com to learn more about the journal & submission requirements! 

Also, check us out at:

www.facebook.com/tvergastein

www.twitter.com/tvergastein

Poster I designed for the journal; photo from Lahti, Finland.

Please email any questions or submissions to tvergastein.journal@gmail.com. If we do publish a piece, we'll send you a copy of the journal abroad too! 

We look forward to reading your submissions! 

Special Lecture - Amina Mohammed: The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs

This evening I had the pleasure of attending a special presentation by the 

UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Amina Mohammed

Domus Academica, Urbygningen at University Square. 

The Oslo SDG Initiative 
The presentation took place at the University of Oslo's Domus Academica building and was sponsored by the University of Oslo's Centre for Development and the Environment (SUM) as part of the Oslo SDG Initiative. You can learn more about the initiative here.

Inside of gamle festal (the old party hall). 

Not Your Average Hall

During the mid 1800s the hall was used for Norwegian parliament, but today we met for a discussion about the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The presentation was particularly interesting, because our class just finished a unit on ''Poverty Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.'' Also, it isn't every day that you get to listen to a presentation by the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General.  Prior to serving as Deputy Secretary-General in charge of the SDGs, Amina Mohammed was Nigeria's Minister of the Environment and Special Adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, among others. 

Prof. Dan Banik giving opening remarks.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

The seventeen SDGs were developed by the UN in 2015 to cover all dimensions of development, many of which the previous Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were lacking.  The goals cover poverty reduction, gender equality, zero hunger, sustainability, etc.  See here for all seventeen SDGs.  Amina explained how the SDGs are not merely goals, but development guide points. To achieve these points, actors from all sectors need to develop partnerships, communicate, and unite for the common good. As Amina put it, "The future is here and now.  Life is a journey and every step you build upon." 

Prof. Dan Banik and Amina Mohammed. 

Achieving the SDGs
Despite critiques about how far-fetching the SDGs are and how little evidence is coming back showing positive progress, the glass is not yet empty. The SDG initiative has till 2030, which is still twelve more years.  It was interesting that Amina pointed out there is a ''globalization of indifference.''  People tend to ignore issues, yet, eventually the problem gets them in the end.  The SDGs are about creating long term solutions, not fast-fixes which will have negative consequences.  Currently, there is no baseline data for the SDGs, so the private sector is weary to want to invest.  However, the mindsets of governments and private sectors will need to transform into brave, collaborative teams in order to "spin success."

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. 

Closing Remarks

There is lots of work still to do in regard to achieving the SDGs by 2030. In addition to connecting states with other sectors to develop vital partnerships, the UN also wants to get more youth, especially women, involved in all levels. The average age on a UN official is 45 years old, so it is necessary to have fresh eyes and ideas brought to the table. Though the next twelve years may be challenging, sustainable development is vital to our shared future.  As Mandela used to say "it always seems impossible until it's done." 

Development, Environment & Cultural Change

Diverse, inclusive, & full of love. 

Simple words; strong meaning. That's how I would characterize my classmates in the Development, Environment & Cultural Change masters program at the University of Oslo. Since meeting for the first time just two weeks ago, we have already bonded and shared many special moments. I feel incredibly lucky to be journeying with such a great group of students for the next two years.

First day of class, Aug. 13th, 2018 (photo courtesy of SUM)

Diversity. Our class consists of approx. twenty-three students, from eleven countries and five continents. In addition to various geographical backgrounds and cultures, we also have studied a vast range of topics from anthropology and international studies, to entertainment and bio-ethics. The interdisciplinary nature of our class makes for enlightening discussions, and it has been inspiring to hear everyone's stories. You can read more about the first two weeks of our studies here, and can learn more about the DECC program here.

Inclusiveness. Oslo has quickly become home to me; a place that I'm comfortable and feel happy. Norwegians are friendly and helpful, especially the ones in my class who have repeatedly had to answer many questions about Norway from us international students. One of my favorite things about my class is the level of inclusiveness. There is always someone to talk to, someone to laugh with, and a friend nearby to support you. We may come from different backgrounds, but all get along well and include one another in every activity. Being in DECC isn't simply being a class, it's being a family.

Aug. 13th, 2018 at University Square for the Welcome Ceremony.

After our first lesson, our class made the journey down to University Square near the National Theatre, to take part in the 95th annual University of Oslo (UiO) welcome ceremony.  All of the new UiO students gathered in the gardens behind the square and then preceded out during the ceremony.  

Partial view of students standing in the University Square.

The welcome ceremony lasted roughly an hour and included speeches from the UiO dean, mayor of Oslo, student representatives, etc. There was also a live performance by artist Nils Bech and a choir. A nice traditional way to kick off the school year at UiO!

In the forest near Frognerseteren, Oslo.

Love. Though it's been a short time here in Oslo, so far I am loving everything. I love my university, my professors, & most importantly my classmates; many of whom are now close friends. I'm looking forward to the coming months knowing that in DECC, us students will continue to bond and blossom together. Thank you to Oslo for welcoming me with warmth and open arms.