Columbia University
Focus on the ecosystems of the planet earth and integrative science.
Was run by Columbia Univeristy of New York in Tuscon, Arizona.
Built to study earthsciences and ecological relations from a planetary basis, the focus on the earth is of central importance to effective education for the next century.
Evolved from a project, in 1991,
to test self sufficiency, Biosphere2 is today a place for scientists,
students and engineers to learn how the biological diversity of
the planet's ecosystems sustain life. When it started, there were
originally 8 experimental scientists living for two years in this
three acre self contained model of the earth. Isolated from the
atmosphere these bioneers tried to self subsist without external
sources of energy, water, or food. This 8 story, closed, air-tight
system or "testube," was unable to noursh the team as
the oxygen pressure dropped precipitously and the food was insufficient
to provide the expected diet. The unintended consequences of the
vegetarian diet that these folks had -- of necessity -- to consume
proved to be healthier than our normal diets of high cholesterol,
fat-laden fried foods. A $ 200 million structure modeled on a
green house.
Today it is a planetary and ecosystem research facility for students and faculty.
Solving problems on planet earth with serious science.
300 trees have been planted to measure the carbon dioxide absorption by photosynthesis.
There are ecological systems mimicing, rainforests, deserts, ocean, and grasslands, in miniature.
Team taught, interdisciplinary courses for undergraduate education and how we can live sustainably